In focus: CCGs hail ‘victory for common sense’ after Avastin ruling

The NHS has won a major legal battle over the pharmaceutical industry in the UK High Court. It is likely to a have a significant impact on patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

It was discovered a decade ago that off-label bevacizumab – sold under the trade name Avastin – was also effective at treating certain eye conditions. This was confirmed by a number of international clinical trials and is also accepted by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Drugs licensed for ophthalmic use, such as Lucentis, are made from the same molecule as Avastin but command a far higher price.