SMC reject donanemab for use in NHS in Scotland

ByJDCteam

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has rejected new Alzheimer’s drug, donanemab, for use in the NHS in Scotland.   

This aligns with the view of NICE (which we covered here https://journalofdementiacare.co.uk/nice-publish-further-draft-guidance-on-lecanemab-and-donanemab) when considering donanemab (and lecanemab) for use in the NHS in England and Wales. The reasons given by the SMC are similar to NICE.   

Anyone eligible for donanemab and wishing to receive it will need to pay for it privately.   

You can read more on the SMC decision here: https://scottishmedicines.org.uk/about-us/latest-update/may-2025-decisions-news-release/ and comment from Alzheimer Scotland here: https://www.alzscot.org/our-response-donanemab/

Similar Posts

  • Risk calculator

    ByJDCteam

    A study published in the British Medical Journal suggests that a new dementia risk score “calculator” could identify people most at risk of developing dementia in the next 14 years.  Based on two long-term studies, the risk score draws on a list of 11 predictive factors: age, education, history of diabetes, history of or current…

  • Arts for Dementia running ‘Art Wednesdays’ 

    ByJDCteam

    Arts for Dementia are running ‘Art Wednesdays’, free online art sessions via Zoom.  The sessions are every Wednesday at 2pm and provide an hour for people living with dementia and their companions to get creative and socialise in a friendly and supportive environment.   You can register to attend here: https://artsfordementia.org/events/art-wednesday/  Find out more by emailing…

  • Vision resource

    ByJDCteam

    NVISION is a free online resource that helps people with sight problems, including people with Alzheimer’s where it has affected their vision.  The US-based website gives guidance on how a wide range of neurological disorders impact on eyesight, what to expect and what action to take. Here is a link to the webpage containing information…

  • Difficult conversations

    ByJDCteam

    Admiral Nurse charity Dementia UK has published “Seven tips for handling difficult conversations” on its website, focusing on how to respond to differences of opinion among family members about how a loved with dementia should be cared for. Assembled with the help of Admiral Nurse Vic Lyons, the tips cover topics like preparing for the…

  • Musical memories

    ByJDCteam

    Musical memories: Former school teachers David Brown and Alison Eales (pictured) were reunited as part of a music therapy initiative at Foxholes Care Home in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.  David is a resident, while the home’s general manager Neil Gandecha was once his pupil at the local Kingshott School.  The emotive reunion involved a lunch trip allowing…

  • Funding announced to promote independence for people accessing social care in Scotland 

    ByJDCteam

    The Scottish Government has announced up to £9.2m of funding over three years to augment the Support in the Right Direction (SiRD) programme, which aims to promote choice and control for people who access social care services and their families/carers.  The funding will enable 33 third-sector organisations in Scotland to provide independent advice, advocacy, information and support…