NICE backs Bayer's Eylea

The U.K.’s NICE completed its first appraisal under its new fast track pathway, recommending the use of Eylea aflibercept from Bayer AG (Xetra:BAYN) to treat visual impairment due to choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in adults. The recommendation is contingent on Bayer providing the drug at an undisclosed discount under a patient access scheme.

In the final appraisal determination (FAD), NICE concluded that Eylea's benefits and costs are comparable to Lucentis ranibizumab from the Genentech Inc. unit of Roche (SIX:ROG; OTCQX:RHHBY), which NICE recommended for the indication in 2013 (see BioCentury, Oct. 28, 2013)...