NICE approves Bayer’s Eylea for NHS use
pharmafile | September 28, 2016 | News story | Business Services, Manufacturing and Production, Medical Communications, Research and Development, Sales and Marketing | Bayer, Eylea, NICE
Bayer has announced that its Eylea (aflibercept) drug has received a final recommendation from NICE for the treatment of visual impairment due to macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and will now be available on the NHS in England and Wales.
The institute concluded that the product was more cost-effective than current first-line treatment laser photocoagulation, meaning that 13,000 patients will now have first-line access to a more effective anti-VEGF option for treating the illness.
Commenting on what the decision means for patients, Cathy Yelf, chief executive of the Macular Society stated: “We are delighted with this final decision from NICE as it means that patients with BRVO will have the best chance possible to preserve their sight and maintain their independence and quality of life. Sight loss can have a devastating impact on an individual and their family so we are pleased the NICE has recognised that patients should have access to an anti-VEGF treatment as soon as possible and in line with guidelines from the Royal College.”
BRVO is caused by a blood clot in one of the branches of the main vein in the retina, which increases the pressure in the small blood vessels at the back of the eye and can lead to blood and fluid leaking beneath the macula (macular oedema). If not treated effectively, macular oedema secondary to BRVO can significantly impact a person’s vision.
Dr Alexander Moscho, CEO of Bayer UK/Ireland commented: “We are pleased that NICE has finalised its positive decision for Eylea for the treatment of visual impairment due to macular oedema secondary to BRVO. This treatment continues to achieve positive results in real-life clinical practice, similar to that demonstrated in clinical trials, and we hope that this will continue for patients with macular oedema secondary to BRVO.”
Aflibercept is also licensed in the UK for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD, visual impairment due to diabetic macular oedema (DMO) and myopic choroidal neovascularisation (mCNV).
Matt Fellows
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