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Drugs for Alzheimer's disease: best avoided. No therapeutic advantage

    Prescrire International
    |July 25, 2012
    PubMed

    Insights

    France

    Area of Science:

    • Pharmacoeconomics
    • Neurology
    • Geriatrics

    Background:

    • Cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine are commonly prescribed for Alzheimer's disease.
    • The French Pharmacoeconomic Committee (HAS) evaluates drug efficacy and reimbursement.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To report the reassessment of the medical benefit of cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine in Alzheimer's disease by the French HAS.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of clinical trial data and real-world evidence.
    • Expert panel consultation.
    • Pharmacoeconomic analysis.

    Main Results:

    • The medical benefit rating (SMR) for cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine was downgraded from "major" to "low" in Alzheimer's disease.
    • This impacts reimbursement recommendations in France.

    Conclusions:

    • The downgraded SMR rating suggests a reduced perceived value of these drugs for Alzheimer's disease in the French healthcare system.
    • This decision may influence prescribing patterns and access to these medications.

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