New AMD drug could reduce hospital visits

A new drug to treat patients living with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic macular oedema has been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice).

Facrimab, which is marketed as Vabysmo by Roche Pharmaceuticals, is administered as an eye injection with intervals of up to 16 weeks between doses and could save patients making more frequent visits to hospital.

By comparison, another existing drug in the market, aflibercept, is administered every eight weeks.

Nice estimated that 300,000 people in England living with wet AMD could be eligible to receive facrimab, as well as 28,000 people with diabetic macular oedema.