Manufacturers Eisai and Pfizer have reacted angrily to NICE’s decision not to change its draft guidance on the use of Alzheimer’s drugs, despite admitting the model is faulty.

The Independent Advisory Committee concluded that, although a number of technical problems were highlighted and changes were made to the economic model, these were not enough to change the original conclusion that these treatments are not cost effective in the mild stages of the disease.

According to the pharma companies: “The new model incorporated the latest techniques for determining cost effectiveness and showed a cost saving to the NHS and society by treating mild Alzheimer’s disease patients. NICE recognised the existence of this model and the implications of its results, but chose not to incorporate them into its review of the Guidance.”

Andrew Dillon, NICE Chief Executive, said: “Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most distressing and debilitating disorders but drug treatment is not the only option for these patients. This is why we have published a clinical guideline on the management of dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease) which outlines the package of medical and social care that should be available for people with dementia and their carers.”

He added: "NICE was not asked by the Court of Appeal to carry out a new appraisal of these treatments. However, we operate a process of regularly reviewing our guidance to take into account any new evidence and as long as no appeals are received a review can start as soon as possible.”

The drugs affected by the guideline are donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine and memantine for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, which continue to be recommended only for people with moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

Eisai and Pfizer have expressed their frustration that patients suffering from mild Alzheimer’s disease will “continue to be denied treatment after such a lengthy process”, but have welcomed the opportunity of working with NICE in the new review.