AMD drug 'U-turn'
Friday, 14 Dec 2007 10:53
AMD is a major cause of sight-loss
The NHS drugs watchdog has overturned a previous decision to limit access to a drug which could treat a leading cause of sight loss.
Following thousands of complaints, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) has decided to reconsider its guidance for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
AMD is the cause of sight loss in thousands of people each year and studies have shown Lucentis can maintain and even improve vision in those with the condition.
Following the reappraisal, Nice is considering draft guidance that recommends the NHS should pay for a maximum of 14 injections of Lucentis per eye.
Nice says it has not yet issued final guidance to the NHS on Lucentis or another drug, Macugen.
But campaigners have hailed the decision as an early Christmas present to AMD sufferers and termed it a U-turn by the watchdog.
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