NICE backs Eylea for wet AMD

The U.K.'s NICE issued a final appraisal determination (FAD) recommending the use of Eylea aflibercept from Bayer AG (Xetra:BAYN) to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) when Eylea is used according to the recommendations for competitor Lucentis ranibizumab, which NICE also backs for the indication. The recommendation is contingent on Bayer providing Eylea at an undisclosed discount under a patient access scheme. The committee did not issue draft guidance because the recommendation is in line with Eylea's approved indication in the EU; the European Commission approved Eylea for AMD last November. Final guidance is expected in August.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:REGN) has rights to Eylea in the U.S., while Bayer has rights to market the human fusion protein that binds all forms of VEGF-A and placental growth factor (PIGF) elsewhere. Regeneron was up $4.47 to $252.18 on Thursday. ...