Novartis receives CHMP backing for new Lucentis indication

Novartis has been granted the backing of a European Medicines Agency committee over the approval of Lucentis as a macular edema treatment.

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended the drug as a therapy for visual impairment due to macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion, based on positive phase III trial data.

In these clinical studies, the product was shown to improve both vision and vision-related quality of life when compared with the current standard of care.

Lucentis has been developed in partnership between Novartis and Genentech, with the latter company handling its distribution in the US, where the drug has already been approved in this specification.

David Epstein, division head of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, said: "We are committed to being a leader in ophthalmology and providing effective licensed therapies that make a difference in people's lives."

Last month, the company was granted CHMP backing for Rasilamlo, a new combination therapy for high blood pressure.