NICE now backs Lucentis for macular edema

The U.K.'s NICE issued a final appraisal Lucentis ranibizumab from Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS; SIX:NOVN) to treat macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) for a subset of patients for whom laser photocoagulation has not worked or is not suitable. The recommendation, which is contingent on Novartis providing Lucentis at an undisclosed discount under a revised patient access scheme, reverses 2011 draft guidance recommending against the drug for the indications. Comments are due April 25, with final guidance expected in May (see BioCentury Extra, Nov. 23, 2011). ...