Date set for high court showdown on Alzheimer's drugs

The unprecedented judicial review follows a two year battle over whether people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease should have access to the only effective drugs to treat the debilitating illness on the NHS. The drugs cost just £2.50 a day.

In a directions hearing held today, James Goudie QC heard that the case has huge implications for thousands of people's lives and arranged for it to be heard at the first available opportunity. The case is expected to last for four days.

Responding to today's announcement, Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, says,

'Today brings us a step closer in our fight for justice for people with Alzheimer's disease. 100,000 people will develop dementia this year alone; yet NICE has ignored the impact its decision will have on them and their families' lives. NICE's process in this case was fatally flawed, and we look forward to challenging it in court.'

The charity presented a damning dossier of evidence to the High Court last month (Friday 27 April) in preparation for the case. The Alzheimer's Society is acting as an interested party in the judicial review, representing the views of people with dementia and their carers. During the judicial review the High Court will hear representations from drug manufacturers, patient representatives and dementia experts.

For more 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 is now challenging the decision in the high court.
• Pfizer/Eisai, manufacturer of Aricept, is the lead claimant in this judicial review. The Alzheimer's Society will be acting as one of a number of separate interested parties in this challenge. Its legal team will be representing the interests of people with dementia and their carers and raising 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 See the Alzheimer's Society policy on ethical issues and relations with commercial organisations.
• 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/.