UK Approves Alzheimer's Drug Lecanemab for Early-Stage, Not Available on NHS, Private Prescription Possible

Aug 22, 2024, 07:25 AM

The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the Alzheimer's drug Lecanemab, marking a significant development in the treatment of early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Lecanemab is the first drug shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer's, offering hope for patients. However, despite its approval, the drug will not be available through the National Health Service (NHS) due to its high cost, limiting access for many patients. The drug, developed by Eisai and Biogen and marketed as Leqembi, can be prescribed privately and represents a major advancement in Alzheimer's treatment, though experts caution it is not a 'wonder drug' but an important step forward.