Alzheimer's Drug Restriction

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After the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), UK, recommended restricting the use of Alzheimer's drug, Aricept (donepezil), Eisai and Pfizer, the makers, say they plan to apply for a judicial review regarding NICE's decision. Eisai and Pfizer claim the process used by NICE for this guidance was not fair. They say it is illegal and irrational.
Eisai and Pfizer say NICE should use a more accurate and cost effective model and data.
NICE had decided that National Health Service (NHS) patients who have just* been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease should not receive prescribed Aricept. In the UK anyone receiving an NHS prescription pays just £6.50 ($12) for the one-month-course - NHS patients over 65 get their prescriptions free. If a patient has to buy the drug privately it will cost £2.50 ($4.80) per day.

Alzheimer's support groups throughout England and Wales are pleased NICE will be challenged. They state that NICE's decision has serious consequences for thousands of people throughout the country. The Alzheimer's Society is organizing a series of protest marches.
Here is a quote from the Alzheimer's Society:
"What sort of society have we become when the health of hundreds of thousands are sold to save just £2.50 a day? This blatant cost cutting will rob people of priceless time early in the disease and later clinicians will have no choice but to use dangerous sedatives that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. This is victimisation of the most vulnerable in society and today is an opportunity for people to take a stand."