Lucentis receives NICE approval for diabetics

An estimated 25,000 patients with visual impairment due to diabetic macular oedema (VI-DMO) could be eligible for treatment with Novartis' Lucentis drug following a decision by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

Patients with VI-DMO who have more extensive swelling of the retina, specifically those with a retinal thickness in the eye of 400 micrometres will receive the treatment.

Novartis said until now, many people with the condition have had to face the possibility of irreversible sight loss, as for 25 years treatment has been limited to laser therapy. The company added that the NHS would also benefit from immediate and significant cost savings.