Roche and Genentech report positive phase III Lucentis data

Roche and Genentech have published positive data from a study assessing the drug Lucentis as a treatment for diabetic macular edema.

Results from the phase III trial show that the injection-based ranibizumab therapy was able to deliver rapid and sustained improvements in vision when compared to a placebo treatment.

Significant decreases in retinal swelling were noted among patients using Lucentis, while many were also able to improve their average eye chart reading scores within seven days.

It is hoped that the data can support the regulatory approval of Lucentis in this specification, as treatment options for the condition are currently limited.

Dr Dennis Marcus of the Southeast Retina Center in Augusta, Georgia, said: "This new data adds to evidence showing that Lucentis can help improve vision soon after initiation of treatment."

Last month, Roche announced the commencement of a new phase III clinical study assessing a subcutaneous MabThera treatment against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.