Novartis and Alcon receive CHMP backing for Jetrea

Novartis and its subsidiary Alcon have received a European regulatory recommendation for approval of Jetrea, its new therapy for vitreomacular traction (VMT).

The European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has endorsed the drug for the treatment of VMT, including in cases where the condition is associated with a macular hole of a diameter less than or equal to 400 microns.

VMT is an age-related progressive condition that can cause visual distortion, decreased visual acuity and central blindness if left untreated, affecting around 250,000 to 300,000 people in Europe.

If approved by the European Commission, Jetrea would become the first available therapy for this condition.

Sabri Markabi, senior vice-president for research and development at Alcon, said: "Europe will be the first region outside the US where we expect Jetrea to be approved and our goal is to make this treatment accessible to many more patients around the world."

Alcon is one of the world's largest eye care specialists and became part of the Novartis group following the completion of a merger deal in 2010.