Novartis welcomes NICE backing for Exelon Alzheimer’s patch

Novartis has welcomed the decision of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to recommend its Alzheimer's disease patch therapy among a wider patient population.

The UK healthcare regulator is updating its guidance to endorse a number of Alzheimer's drugs among patients with mild to moderate symptoms, instead of limiting them to severe cases.

As a result, Novartis' Exelon patch will now be able to be used by this patient group, making it the first and only transdermal patch licensed for this application.

According to the manufacturer, this administration method is more convenient for users, demonstrating fewer side effects and limiting the risk of interaction with other drugs being taken.

Professor June Andrews, director of the dementia services development centre at the University of Stirling, said: "People with dementia and their carers have a lot to contend with, so it's a relief that at last those in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease will have access to medication."

Fellow drug company Eisai, which manufactures the Alzheimer's drug Aricept in cooperation with Pfizer, has also welcomed the new NICE ruling as a positive move.