A furore has erupted in Britain over a decision by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), not to recommend the use of an Alzheimer's drug for newly diagnosed patients.
The issue involves four drugs, the most popular of which is being Aricept, (donepezil), which is made by Eisai and Pfizer.
Though the drugs do not represent a cure, they can significantly alleviate a patient's suffering and slow down the progress of the illness's.
NICE have banned the drugs for use by those suffering mild symptoms of Alzheimer's which has put the UK at odds with the rest of the world as Aricept is available in 75 countries across the globe and everywhere else in Europe apart from Albania.
Both Eisai and Pfizer have accused NICE of being less than transparent by repeatedly refusing to reveal details of the computer model which devised the cost-effectiveness of the drug.
They say they are prepared to go to court over the matter and claim the process used by NICE for the guidance was illegal and irrational.
Eisai and Pfizer say NICE should use a more accurate and cost effective model and data.
In the UK anyone receiving an NHS prescription pays just £6.50 ($12) for the one-month-course but NHS patients over 65 receive their prescriptions free.
If a patient has to buy the drug privately it will cost £2.50 ($4.80) per day.
NICE's final decision comes into force on November 22nd and Eisai and Pfizer are asking for the recommendations to be postponed.
Under the guidelines an estimated 50,000 new patients a year with 'mild' disease will be denied access to the drugs and will instead be told to come back when their symptoms are worse.