UK's NICE gives green light to Bayer's Eylea in final guidance

UK drugs watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published final guidance recommending German drug major Bayer’s (BAYN: DE) Eylea (aflibercept solution for injection) as an option for treating visual impairment caused by macular edema, a condition which affects a person’s ability to see detail and color.

The guidance relates to macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), where the vein to the retina is blocked. The NICE recommends the treatment is only prescribed if the manufacturer makes it available to the National Health Service under terms agreed with the Department of Health as part of a patient access scheme.

Carole Longson, director of the Centre for Health Technology Evaluation at the NICE, said: "Macular edema can have a significant impact on the independence and day-to-day life for people with the condition, affecting their ability to work, drive, and take part in hobbies such as reading and going to the cinema. Therefore NICE is pleased to recommend aflibercept solution as another clinically and cost-effective treatment option for people with macular edema caused by central retinal vein occlusion as well as ranibizumab and dexamethasone, which NICE has already approved for this condition.”

Aflibercept dominated ranibizumab on cost effectiveness