24.04.12
Judicial review over eye drug
Pharmaceutical company Novartis is seeking a judicial review of the use of a cheaper alternative to its drug Lucentis, prescribed for the condition wet AMD, a common cause of loss of vision in older people.
Lucentis has been recommended for use on the NHS by NICE, but some trusts are using Avastin, which is not officially approved for eye conditions. However, this drug is £60 per injection, compared to £740 for Lucentis.
Last year, four trusts in Southampton, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight andPortsmouthdecided to pay for the use of Avastin if it was prescribed. They assert that it is offered as an extra option and will still pay for Lucentis when it is prescribed.
The trusts stated: “Avastin is internationally recognised as an effective treatment for AMD, and for example over 50% of AMD patients in theUnited Statesare treated with Avastin.”
Yet Novartis is challenging this policy. The company said: “It is unacceptable to put the safety of patients at risk through the widespread use of an unlicensed treatment when a licensed medicine is available. It undermines the regulatory process that was introduced to safeguard patients.”
Spokesperson for the Macular Disease Society Cathy Yelf said: “If Avastin is not as safe as Lucentis, no-one should be using it. If it is as good, then perhaps everyone should be using it.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]