IQWiG finds no additional Eylea benefit
Germany's Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Healthcare (IQWiG) said Eylea aflibercept from Bayer AG (Xetra:BAYN) has "no additional benefit" vs. Lucentis ranibizumab to treat visual impairment caused by macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). IQWiG said that in data submitted by Bayer, neither Eylea nor Lucentis were administered according to their European labels. Comments are due Jan. 23, with a final assessment from G-BA expected in mid-March. On Tuesday, the U.K.'s NICE issued a final appraisal determination (FAD) backing Eylea for the indication, contingent on Bayer providing Eylea at an undisclosed discount (see BioCentury Extra, Dec. 31, 2013).
Eylea is also approved in Europe to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Germany's Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) rebuffed Eylea for the indication in June. NICE backs Eylea for wet AMD. Bayer has ex-U.S. rights to Eylea from partner Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:REGN), which was off $0.62 to $274.62 on Thursday (see BioCentury Extra, June 6, 2013). ...