Judgement date set on Alzheimer's drugs court challenge

The result of the unprecedented judicial review follows a two-year campaign to secure access to the only drug treatments for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease on the NHS.

Mrs Justice Linda Dobbs will hand down her ruling in the Royal Courts of Justice on Friday 10 August, in a case with huge implications for the lives of thousands of people with Alzheimer's disease and their carers. Lawyers for the Alzheimer's Society highlighted how NICE drastically underestimated costs of care and overlooked carer benefits when assessing the group of three drugs. During five days of arguments at last month's hearing, the court also heard how NICE's decision discriminates against people of different cultural and educational backgrounds.

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, says,

'Success with this legal challenge will change the lives of thousands of people with Alzheimer's disease in the UK - not just now but all those still to be diagnosed in the future too. NICE holds the fate of so many people's lives in its hands, it is only right that its decisions are subject to proper scrutiny.

Whatever the outcome, we are glad the views of those affected by Alzheimer's disease have finally been heard in court. It was their determination, which has propelled this campaign so far forward, raising huge awareness of the issues facing people with dementia and their carers.'

For further information, contact the Alzheimer's Society press office.

Notes for editors

• In March 2005, NICE, the government body which produces guidance on which drug treatments should be funded by the NHS, ruled four drug treatments licensed for Alzheimer's disease (Aricept, Exelon, Reminyl and Ebixa) should no longer be funded by the NHS. It acknowledged that three drugs were clinically effective, but stated that they were not cost effective. Following an unprecedented response NICE changed its position to allow only people only in the moderate stages of the disease access to drug treatments. Following an unsuccessful appeal to an internal review body the Alzheimer's Society challenged the decision in the high court.
• Pfizer/Eisai, manufacturer of Aricept, was the lead claimant in this judicial review. The Alzheimer's Society was acting as one of a number of separate interested parties in this challenge. Its legal team represented the interests of people with dementia and their carers and raised additional arguments.
• The Alzheimer's Society does not accept funding or any other support from the pharmaceutical industry for its campaign on access to Alzheimer's drug treatments. Click here for details of the Alzheimer's Society policy on ethical issues and relations with commercial organisations.
• Further information about the campaign can be be found on the access to drugs section of our website. 
• Nice guidance applies to England and Wales. People currently on the drug treatments will continue to receive them.
• 1 in 3 older people will end their lives with a form of dementia.
• 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051. 1 in 5 people over 80 have dementia.
• The Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. The Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• As a charity, the Alzheimer's Society depends on the generosity of the public to help it care, research and campaign for people with dementia. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/. 
• The Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline number is 0845 300 0336 or visit http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/.