The Macular Society has welcomed final approval of a new, longer-lasting drug to treat wet age-related macular degeneration.
The Society is urging the NHS to introduce the new drug, Eylea, quickly to help meet the enormous demand for wet AMD treatment.
The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence has issued final guidance on the use of Eylea for wet AMD today having fast-tracked it through the appraisal process.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central vision and is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK. More people are affected as our population ages.
Macular Society chief executive Helen Jackman said: “We know that nearly every eye clinic in the country is struggling to cope with the number of wet AMD patients needing treatment.
“We fear that some patients are not getting the best care as a result. It is vital that the NHS invests more in treatment for these conditions. Sight loss is devastating and all the more so when a good treatment is available. Eylea is effective for longer than current treatment and so is likely to be better for patients and for the NHS. We urge commissioners and trusts to act quickly to implement the NICE guidance on Eylea.”
There are as many as 40,000 new wet AMD patients every year. The most commonly used drug currently is Lucentis. Patients often need monthly injections and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists recommends monthly monitoring for most patients. However, a survey by the Macular Society last year suggested that 80% of clinics could not achieve that. More recent anecdotal evidence suggests that the situation is even worse now.
For information, advice or support concerning macular degeneration, contact the Macular Society’s helpline on 0300 3030 111 or emailhelp@macularsociety.org