News Feature | June 19, 2014

UK Puts Dementia Drug Research On The Fast Track

By Lori Clapper

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At a Global Dementia Legacy Event in London today, World Dementia Envoy Dennis Gillings warned that “more must be done to…find a cure by 2025,” the Alzheimer’s Society reported. 

Gillings’ statement reflects a declaration signed by the G8 nations in December 2013, which also committed to significantly increase the amount spent on dementia research and increase the number of people involved in clinical trials and studies on dementia.

In support of Gillings’ plea, UK Prime Minister David added that the UK government plans to accelerate innovative dementia drug R&D to fulfill the promises made at the G8 summit.

This includes:

  • The Medical Research Council’s launch of the world’s largest dementia research study group.
  • The Alzheimer’s Society’s commitment to £100 over 10 years to provide better care for today’s patients as well as find a cure for the future.
  • UK Government’s continued plans to double funding for research.

“We have seen the huge progress that has been delivered for cancer research because of a sustained boost in funding and now need the same for people with dementia,”Alzhemier’s Society Chief Executive Jeremy Hughes said. “Today's announcements mean the UK is leading the fight in dementia research but our global partners will be crucial to fulfilling the promise of the G8.”

Earlier this month, Alzheimer's Research UK suggested that a drug to delay the onset of dementia by five years could “reduce cases by a third and alleviate economic cost by 36 per cent, or over £21 billion by 2050.” Statistics also suggest if a drug is found to slow disease progression, the number of dementia cases could be reduced by 666 thousand in the UK by 2050.

Gillings also commented that “Research must become more attractive to pharmaceuticals so they will invest and innovate. Just as the world came together in the fight against HIV/AIDS, we need to free up regulation so that we can test ground-breaking new drugs, and examine whether the period for market exclusivity could be extended.”