A Harley Street-based clinic has marked a significant milestone in European Alzheimer's treatment by becoming the first facility to offer both breakthrough medications, lecanemab and donanemab, to private patients. Re:Cognition Health began administering lecanemab in November 2023, followed by its first donanemab dose in early 2024.
Breakthrough Treatments Show Promising Results
Clinical trials have demonstrated remarkable efficacy for these novel therapeutics. Donanemab, marketed as Kisunla, has shown particularly impressive results, with one study of 1,182 participants demonstrating a 35% reduction in cognitive decline among early-stage Alzheimer's patients.
"We are thrilled to offer Kisunla to private patients, marking a significant milestone in the fight against Alzheimer's disease," stated Dr. Emer MacSweeney, chief executive and medical director of Re:Cognition Health. "As the first clinic in Europe to deliver this treatment, we are proud to continue leading the way in providing access to life-changing therapies."
Access and Cost Considerations
While these treatments represent a significant advance in Alzheimer's therapy, their accessibility remains limited. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has declined to recommend either medication for NHS coverage, citing that their benefits were "too small to justify the costs." Private treatment costs are substantial, with estimates around £60,000 per year, varying based on required monitoring and scanning procedures.
Safety Monitoring and Clinical Experience
The implementation of these treatments builds on substantial clinical trial experience. Dr. MacSweeney served as principal investigator for the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 and 6 trials, which were crucial in establishing the drugs' efficacy profiles. However, careful monitoring is essential, as some concerns have been raised regarding rare but serious side effects, including brain swelling.
Despite the NHS coverage limitations, patients meeting specific criteria may still access these treatments through ongoing clinical trials. Dr. MacSweeney emphasized the importance of early intervention, noting, "The results of the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ study highlight the importance of early intervention and the transformative potential of Kisunla for patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, also helping to pave the way for new medications."
