|
Tuesday, July 19th, 2005
NICE's decision to uphold the proposed guidance that will lead to
a ban on the use of Alzheimer's medicines in the NHS is a blow for
patients and their families, friends and carers, the Association
of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) said today.
"However, the door remains open for further discussion and
it is vital that it is not slammed in the faces of people with Alzheimer's
and those working with them to alleviate this distressing condition,"
said Dr Richard Barker, Director General of the ABPI.
"There is still a chance of the correct decision being made,
and the ABPI very much hopes that, for the sake of patients and
all those around them, the additional consultation period will be
used wisely.
"The decision as it stands would hit hard at those with Alzheimer's
as it would effectively ban the only medicines that exist for this
distressing condition."
The ABPI added that it was important that it was borne in mind that
NICE's recommendation was still not confirmed, and that the medicines
should remain available to patients not only for their direct benefit
but also to gain further clinical experience.
|
