24 January 2018 - Doctors who prescribe bevacizumab (Avastin) for age related macular degeneration (AMD) will “not raise fitness to practise concerns,” the UK medical regulator has said, after NICE judged that the drug was as safe and effective as licensed treatments.

The General Medical Council’s chief executive, Charlie Massey, said, “Where doctors are working in partnership with patients, following clinical guidance, and making prescribing decisions in good faith on the basis of evidence and experience, the use of Avastin would not cause us any concerns.”

In its long awaited clinical guideline on AMD, NICE recommended that people with suspected late form of the disease (wet active) be referred to a macula service quickly for prompt diagnosis and fast access to effective treatments.

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