Roche reports positive Lucentis phase III data

Roche has announced that its CRUISE phase III trial involving Lucentis (ranibizumab injection) saw improvement in the vision of patients with swelling in their retinas (macular edema) as a result of central retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Additionally, the company stated in recent weeks that its BRAVO phase III trial demonstrated that Lucentis enhanced vision in patients who had macular edema as a result of branch retinal vein occlusion.

Commenting, William Burns, chief executive of Roche’s pharmaceuticals division, said: “We are excited that two pivotal studies have shown early and sustained improvement in vision for RVO patients treated monthly with Lucentis.”

He noted that the data gleaned from the trials will form the basis of the supplemental biologics licence application that Roche will submit to the Food and Drug Administration for Lucentis in RVO patients.

Speaking at the time of the BRAVO announcement, Mr Burns noted that RVO is a “devastating disease” and that Lucentis has an “important role” to play in tackling it.