NICE challenged over fatally flawed decision on Alzheimer’s drugs

Eisai and Pfizer, the manufacturers of one of the drug treatments for Alzheimer's, have informed NICE that they intend to apply for a judicial review against its decision to restrict access to Alzheimer's drugs.

Although the Alzheimer's Society is not involved in this legal action and is seeking legal advice as to whether to launch its own judicial review against the decision in the High Court, our Chief Executive, Neil Hunt welcomed the news.

'It's great news that NICE will be challenged in court. This has been a flawed process from start to finish. NICE holds the fate of thousands of people's lives in its hands and it is only right that it is brought to account.

'The Alzheimer's Society has also been seeking separate legal advice as to whether to launch its own judicial review against this decision in the High Court.

'NICE's decision to deny people in the early and late stages of Alzheimer's disease access to drug treatments is cruel and unethical. That is why thousands of people across the country are taking to the streets today (17 November) to voice their outrage.

'This devastating decision was due to come into force next week, surely NICE must now postpone issuing this guidance until all legal challenges have been heard.'