Alzheimer’s drug approved in the UK, but it won’t be available on the NHS – here’s why

Donanemab is delivered intravenously to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Studio Romantic/ Shutterstock

The UK’s drugs regulator – the MHRA – has approved the Alzheimer’s drug donanemab, but it won’t be available on the NHS.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), which determines what treatments are available on the NHS, decided not to recommend donanemab for NHS use. This is because of its cost, potential side-effects and what some consider insufficient benefits.