09:47 AM EDT, 10/23/2024 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates to add Eli Lilly's ( LLY ) comment in the last paragraph.)

Eli Lilly's ( LLY ) new treatment for mild Alzheimer's disease donanemab requires more evidence on its clinical and cost-effectiveness and cannot currently be considered good value for the UK's National Health Service, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence said Wednesday.

The treatment is licensed by the country's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for mild cognitive impairment or dementia due to Alzheimer's.

NICE raised concerns about donanemab's high cost, including infusions and intensive monitoring for serious side effects, compared to its modest benefit of slowing Alzheimer's progression by four to seven months. There are also health risks, with a third of recipients experiencing amyloid-related imaging abnormalities.

Donanemab, also known as Kisunla, targets beta-amyloid proteins that contribute to Alzheimer's. The UK health spending watchdog found its cost-effectiveness estimate for donanemab to be five to six times above acceptable NHS levels.

The consultation on NICE's draft guidance on donanemab will close on Nov. 20, with final recommendations to follow.

"Lilly remains confident in the clinical and cost-effectiveness of donanemab and the value that it can bring to patients and to the NHS," the company said in response to MT Newswires' request for comment. "Lilly will continue to work closely with NICE during the consultation period ahead of a final reimbursement decision for use in the NHS," it added.

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