Added benefit of Eylea in choroidal neovascularization not proven, says IQWiG

German pharma major Bayer’s (BAYN: DE) blockbuster ophthalmic drug Eylea (aflibercept) has already undergone several early benefit assessments according to the Act on the Reform of the Market for Medicinal Products (AMNOG) for other therapeutic indications.

Recently, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) commissioned the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) to conduct a dossier assessment also for the new therapeutic indication of choroidal neovascularization. Since the manufacturer cited no suitable studies in its dossier, an added benefit of aflibercept in comparison with the appropriate comparator therapy is not proven, the Institute stated.

In short-sightedness, also called myopia, the eyeball has grown too long. This may cause tears in the membrane between choroid and retina that stimulate the growth of blood vessels, ie, neovascularization, in the choroid. If the vessels grow into the retina and start leaking, this may additionally impair visual acuity and, in the worst case, cause blindness. Drugs are injected into the eyeball to inhibit this neovascularization.