The national peak body supporting people living with dementia, Dementia Australia, has said it’s “disappointed” after the Therapeutic Goods Administration rejected a “disease-modifying” Alzheimer’s drug for use in Australia.
The drug Lecanemab removes amyloid plaques from the brain, which slows cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s, Dementia Australia said.
The drug is approved for use in the UK, USA, China, Japan South Korea, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates and Israel.
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Dementia Australia chief executive Professor Tanya Buchanan said the decision meant Australians have less choice when it comes to their treatment.
“While we respect the TGA as Australia’s medicines regulator, should this decision be upheld, it will be a blow to Australians who may be able to benefit from Lecanemab,” Buchanan said.
“Dementia Australia is disappointed that Australians living with Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages may be unable to access the same choice of treatments as people living in other countries.”
“Lecanemab is not a cure and is not for all people with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
“Like many medicines, it also comes with some significant risks.
“It is however, widely seen as an historic first step towards reducing the huge impact of Alzheimer’s disease and for people living with the condition it signified hope.”
The drug was rejected by the European Medicines Agency last year, which was also criticised by Alzheimer’s Europe.
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