The Macular Disease Society has joined forces with three other charities to appeal against a NICE decision not to recommend Lucentis on a cost basis that could lead to thousands of people with diabetes losing their sight.
Together with Diabetes UK, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Royal National Institute of Blind People, it is calling for Lucentis to be made available on the NHS to treat diabetic macular oedema.
The charities argue that other key stakeholders have not been able to comment on significant new evidence submitted to NICE by the drug's manufacturer and are calling for a proper consultation allowing stakeholders to submit their evaluations.
RNIB head of policy and campaigns Steve Winyard said: 'Patients at risk of losing their sight have a right to expect that a full review of all the available information takes place. However, NICE has failed to consult with experts from patient organisations on this new evidence, nor have they sought advice from clinicians who treat people with this condition on a daily basis. We strongly believe that some of the assumptions they have made about the cost-effectiveness of the treatment are wrong.'
The charities are urging the drug manufacturer, the DoH and NICE to consider the option of a Patient Access Scheme where patients can gain access to high costs drugs. They added that Lucentis offered a significant advance on the current laser treatment.