UK Approves Leqembi for Alzheimer’s, but NICE Deems It Too Costly for NHS Use

UK Approval:
Leqembi (lecanemab) has been approved by the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for treating mild cognitive impairment and dementia in Alzheimer’s disease patients.

NICE Decision:
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has decided against recommending Leqembi for use in the National Health Service (NHS) due to its high cost and relatively small benefits.

Benefits and Costs:
Leqembi provides a 4 to 6 months delay in cognitive decline, but the costs associated with fortnightly infusions, intensive monitoring for side effects, and diagnostic changes are deemed too high for the NHS.

Public Consultation:
NICE has opened a public consultation on its draft guidance, which will close on September 20, 2024.

Global Approval Status:
Leqembi is approved in several countries including the US, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and China, but was rejected by the European Medicines Agency due to concerns over serious adverse events.

Market Expectations:
Despite the challenges, Leqembi is expected to generate $6.1 billion in revenue by 2030, according to GlobalData’s consensus forecasts.