Bayer Schering receives NICE backing for Eylea

Bayer Schering has been boosted by the news its Eylea treatment has been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

NHS patients with sight problems resulting from macular oedema may now be set to receive the drug after it was granted the backing of the cost regulator.

In its final draft guidance, NICE suggested Eylea – the registered trademark of aflibercept – should be a routine option for those treating visual impairments caused by macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion, an issue where the vein to the retina becomes blocked.

The independent committee ruled that a further appraisal consultation document is not required as the treatment is being recommended in line with its licensed indication. Final guidance is therefore expected in February. 

Bayer has offered a confidential discount on Eylea, leading NICE to estimate the incremental cost of the drug to be £12,300 per quality-adjusted life year when compared to dexamethasone. The regulator also noted the worst case scenario cost would fall within a range generally deemed to be an effective use of NHS resources.