Formal appeals have been lodged against a decision not to recommend Lucentis (ranibizumab) for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DMO) within the NHS.
Both manufacturer Novartis and The Royal College of Ophthalmologists have appealed to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to change its mind.
It follows calls for a re-think by charities Diabetes UK, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Royal National Institute of Blind People last week (News 05.08.2011). The RCO said having carefully reviewed the determination it felt NICE had 'failed to act fairly', 'formulated guidance' and 'exceeded its powers'.
Novartis said it was continuing negotiations with NICE and the Department of Health to achieve a 'mutually agreeable solution'.
NICE took its decision late last month when it concluded ranibizumab was not a cost-effective alternative to laser photocoagulation.