'Miracle' Alzheimer's drug WON'T be offered on the NHS after drug watchdog rules benefits are too small to justify the eye-watering '£1bn-a-year' roll-out cost, but it will be available to private patients who can pay £20,000 a year

BREAKING NEWS 'Miracle' Alzheimer's drug WON'T be offered on the NHS after drug watchdog rules benefits are too small to justify the eye-watering '£1bn-a-year' roll-out cost, but it will be available to private patients who can pay £20,000 a year READ MORE: HALF of Alzheimer's cases may be prevented by tackling 14 factors By Emily Stearn, Health Reporter For Mailonline Published: 10:00 BST, 22 August 2024 | Updated: 10:12 BST, 22 August 2024 e-mail View comments Brits at risk of Alzheimer's will miss out on a 'miracle' drug to treat the incurable disease on the NHS, health chiefs today announced. Lecanemab has been proven to slow the progress of the memory-robbing illness in its early stages. It was today approved by medicines regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

But draft guidance by the UK's drugs watchdog ruled the benefits of the drug, estimated to cost the NHS up to £1billion per year, 'are too small to justify the costs'. It means lecanemab will only be available to Brits who could pay around £20,000 privately every year. Campaigners and charities today labelled the decision 'bittersweet' and 'deeply disappointing'.

But experts also pointed to a 'lack of evidence' on its long-term effects. Lecanemab (pictured) has been proven to slow the progress of the memory-robbing illness in its early stages. It was today approved by medicines regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Alzheimer's disease is th.