Eisai welcomes latest NICE ruling on Alzheimer’s drug access

Eisai has reacted positively to new final appraisal recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) that will expand access to Alzheimer's medications among NHS patients.

The decision allows sufferers of mild to moderate forms of Alzheimer's to undergo treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as Eisai's Aricept, replacing the current system that only allows those with moderate to severe symptoms to take the drug.

This new regulations will come into effect when NICE publishes its latest Alzheimer's disease treatment guidance in mid-March 2011.

Eisai joined organisations such as the UK Alzheimer's Society in welcoming the decision, which it believes will help to combat the condition early and provide patients with a better chance of a good quality of life.

A statement from the company added: "Eisai will continue to make further contributions to address the diversified needs of and increase the benefits provided to patients and their families as well as healthcare professionals."

In November 2010, Eisai signed an agreement with the World Health Organization to provide those in poorer tropical nations with free doses of diethylcarbamazine, a treatment for lymphatic filariasis.