Alcon receives positive NICE recommendation for Jetrea

Alcon has welcomed the decision of the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to recommend its drug Jetrea for NHS use.

The regulator has issued a positive final appraisal determination for Jetrea recommending it as a treatment for vitreomacular traction and macular hole, making it the first and only pharmacological treatment for this condition licensed in the UK.

Vitreomacular traction and macular hole are age-related conditions that can cause blind spots, visual distortion and reduced visual acuity, ultimately threatening sight if left untreated.

Jetrea was first approved by the European Commission in March 2013 and has been licensed for EU commercialisation by Alcon from the Belgian biopharmaceutical company ThromboGenics.

Tim Jackson, consultant retinal surgeon at King’s College Hospital, said: “The injection offers a treatment that may avoid the need for eye surgery and means those unsuited to surgery can now be treated, often before their condition deteriorates.”

According to data from parent company Novartis’ most recent financial report, Alcon experienced a three percent year-on-year increase in its net sales performance during the second quarter of 2013.