The Judicial Review in the High Court involves the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence's guidance to refuse National Health Service support of drugs for new patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. The outcome of the case could affect the support of Shire's drugs Reminyl and Reminyl XL.

"Shire is pleased that, by arranging the hearing for the first possible date, James Goudie QC has acknowledged the importance and urgency of this matter to the general public and to the many thousands who will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease of mild severity this year," said John Freeman, managing director of Shire's UK commercial operation

"Shire agrees completely with the grounds for the Judicial Review and will be supporting all stakeholders by participating in the High Court action as an interested party," Freeman added.