NICE agrees to appeal hearing on Lucentis

Patients with diabetic macular oedema (DMO) may yet gain access to the Lucentis (ranibizumab) treatment within the NHS after the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) agreed to review an appeal.

Manufacturer Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK welcomed the review after it appealed against last month's decision by NICE that ranibizumab was not a cost-effective alternative to laser in treating vision impairment related to DMO.

There was considerable opposition in the aftermath to NICE's decision, with a host of charities and The Royal College of Ophthalmologists also urging a rethink.

Each now have the opportunity to voice their concerns at an appeal hearing to be held on October 4 this year in Manchester. The appeal panel will send its decision to NICE within 15 working days.