Posted by Michael Wonder on 15 Dec 2016
Decision relating to anti-VEGF treatments for ophthalmic use
15 December 2016 - On 5 September 2016, PHARMAC consulted on a proposal to list ranibizumab (Lucentis) and aflibercept (Eylea) in Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 November 2016 for the second and third line treatment (respectively) of wet age-related macular degeneration.
This proposal arose following a request for proposals for the supply of anti-endothelial growth factor agents issued on 5 May 2016.
Consultation feedback included a strong preference from some clinicians for aflibercept to be the second line treatment listed for wAMD, rather than ranibizumab as proposed. Some responders included evidence to support their views that PHARMAC had not previously considered.
Having reviewed all the consultation feedback the PHARMAC Board resolved to not accept any proposal and to terminate the request for proposals process.
