News

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCO) has hit out at the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) for its decision to dismiss an appeal by Pfizer to allow treatment with Macugen (pegatanib) for patients allergic to Lucentis (ranibizumab).

As reported (News, September 5), following a review, NICE announced that Lucentis will be made available to all patients with wet AMD in England. However, in the same statement, it said anti-VEGF drug Macugen would not be made available to NHS patients.

The chairman of the Scientific Committee of the RCO, Winifred Amoaku, said: 'NICE has decided not to allow treatment with Macugen - even where patients are sensitive or allergic to Lucentis, as there is no evidence that patients who have developed a reaction to ranibizumab could be safely be treated with pegaptanib.

'This, in our view, unfairly penalised the 3 per cent of wet AMD patients who may be allergic to Lucentis - this can result in inflammation in the eye that lasts several weeks. This type of reaction to the drug in itself can cause additional damage,' he added.

Providing exclusive eye care news, information and educational needs every week, including a FREE CET programme. Subscribe to Optician Print Edition.