Bayer HealthCare’s Eylea receives NICE recommendation

Bayer HealthCare has received a positive ruling from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for approval of Eylea as a treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The regulator has issued final draft guidance recommending the drug as an option for treating this eye condition – which can cause problems with central vision – provided that Bayer is willing to offer the product as part of a patient access scheme.

An independent committee decided that an appraisal consultation document was not needed in this case, meaning the recommendations can go straight to a final appraisal determination, ensuring faster access to Eylea among this patient population.

Sir Andrew Dillon, NICE's chief executive, said: "Wet AMD can have a significant effect on day-to-day life for people with the disease, so NICE is pleased to recommend aflibercept solution as a treatment option in final draft guidance."

According to the company's most recent financial report, strong global demand for Eylea was a key driver of sales growth for Bayer HealthCare during the first quarter of 2013.