Alzheimer’s Society comment on new data observing the cost effectiveness of Aricept (donepezil)
Published 21 May 2009
New research presented at the annual meeting of ISPOR suggests that prescribing Aricept on diagnosis of either mild or moderate Alzheimer’s disease would save the NHS money.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) currently recommends that Aricept is not prescribed to people in the mild stages of Alzheimer's disease. This study, sponsored by Eisai, takes into account factors not considered by NICE, including cost of caregiver time. It suggests that savings to the NHS and society would be £7,100 per patient over a ten-year period if people with dementia are prescribed Aricept earlier.
A review of the NICE guidance is anticipated later this year.
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society
Ends
Full reference
Getslos, Blume, Ishak and Maclaine, Cost-effectiveness Study in Patients with Mild to Moderately Severe Alzheimer's Disease: Projected Benefits of Donepezil in the UK
Alzheimer's Society
Alzheimer's Society is the leading care and research charity for people with all forms dementia and their carers. It provides information and education, support for carers, and quality day and home care. It funds medical and scientific research and campaigns for improved health and social services and greater public understanding of dementia. Alzheimer's Society provides a national help line on 0845 3000 336 and website alzheimers.org.uk. Please include this information in any publication that uses these comments.
For more information please contact the press office on 0207 423 3595 or email press@alzheimers.org.uk
A review of the NICE guidance is anticipated later this year.
'Alzheimer's Society has consistently stated that NICE's decision to deny people with dementia access to the only drugs for their condition is unethical and is based on flawed calculations. It disregards the difficulties associated with getting an accurate assessment in the early and middle stages and does not take into account factors such as the benefits treatments bring to carers.Dr Susanne Sorensen
This industry-funded research has examined the cost efficiency of prescribing one of these drugs in the early stages. It uses a complex financial model that considers a wider range of factors and concludes that prescribing this treatment would save NHS money.
NICE must tackle the flaws in its calculations to ensure people with dementia can get access to effective treatments. Alzheimer's Society hopes to see this addresses in the forthcoming review of the NICE guidance.'
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society
Ends
Full reference
Getslos, Blume, Ishak and Maclaine, Cost-effectiveness Study in Patients with Mild to Moderately Severe Alzheimer's Disease: Projected Benefits of Donepezil in the UK
Alzheimer's Society
Alzheimer's Society is the leading care and research charity for people with all forms dementia and their carers. It provides information and education, support for carers, and quality day and home care. It funds medical and scientific research and campaigns for improved health and social services and greater public understanding of dementia. Alzheimer's Society provides a national help line on 0845 3000 336 and website alzheimers.org.uk. Please include this information in any publication that uses these comments.
For more information please contact the press office on 0207 423 3595 or email press@alzheimers.org.uk
