Novartis AMD drug gets limited NICE recommendation, Pfizer drug rejected

The National Institute of Clinical Health and Excellence (NICE) has published its draft guidance relating to the use of Lucentis (ranibizumab) – a drug from Novartis – and Macugen (pegaptanib) – a Pfizer-marketed compound, as treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Lucentis has been recommended by the institute for approximately a tenth of wet AMD patients – specifically those with the classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation form of the disease with both eyes affected by the condition – with the drug to be administered in the better-seeing eye.

NICE has not recommended the use of Macugen in AMD patients on the NHS.

Andrew Dillon, chief executive of the institute, said: “Most people with AMD only seek help once the disease is beginning to affect their second eye.

“Because of this, and based on the evidence they have seen, our independent advisory committee believes the right thing to do is to treat and try to save as much sight as possible in the better-seeing eye.”

He added that when medicines are highly expensive, the NHS must use them in instances where patients will receive the most benefit, while NICE is keen to hear from AMD-sufferers and clinicians before publishing its final guidance on this matter.

Lucentis received marketing approval for use as a treatment for improving vision in wet AMD patients throughout the European Union in January 2007.