PCT to review drug ruling for Lucentis

An NHS trust which refused to fund a drug used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) for a former Labour MP has backed down and said it will review its decision.

Former MP for Halifax, Alice Mahon, 69, who has lost the sight in one eye due to AMD, had pledged to mount a legal challenge in the High Court in her bid to force Kirklees and Calderdale PCT to fund the drug Lucentis which has been shown in trials to stabilise or improve the condition.

She was diagnosed with AMD two months ago, having been referred by her optician, and is being treated at Calderdale Royal Hospital.