Alimera Sciences secures NICE recommendation for uveitis eye implant

pharmafile | June 21, 2019 | News story | Medical Communications, Sales and Marketing Alimera Sciences, NICE, UK, pharma, uveitis 

Britain’s cost effectiveness body NICE has recommended the use of the fluocinolone acetonide implant, a new treatment option for patients with recurrent non-infectious uveitis affecting the back of the eye.

Iluvien, which is injected into the eye and lasts three years, could mean fewer hospital visits for patients who receive current treatments which include corticosteroid injections, immunosuppressants, and dexamethasone and adalimumab implants.

The fluocinolone acetonide implant has been shown to visual acuity (clearness of vision) after 12 months by 5.9 letters (on a Snellen chart) compared with 4.3 letters in the control group in clinical trials.

The implant also reduced uveitis recurrence rates. Trials showed that 37.9% of those with the implant compared to 97.6% of those in the control group had a recurrence of uveitis after 12 months.

Around 8,500 people in England have non-infectious uveitis affecting the back of the eye. However the number of people with recurrent forms of the disease is far lower. The implant costs £5,500 per implant. However the manufacturer has agreed a discount with the NHS.

Meindert Boysen, director of the Centre for Health Technology Evaluation at NICE, commented: “Existing treatments for controlling recurrent non-infectious uveitis can be burdensome and disruptive to daily life for both patients and their carers, needing frequent hospital visits for administration and monitoring.”

“The fluocinolone acetonide implant offers patients a new treatment option that could lead to more consistent disease control with a reduced treatment burden. We are happy to be able to provide people with recurrent non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye with an additional treatment option, particularly one with potentially long-lasting benefits.”

Louis Goss

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