NICE has recommended aflibercept (Eylea, Bayer) as an option for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DMO) in preliminary recommendations. 

Aflibercept is recommended in people only where:

• the eye has a central retinal thickness of 400 micrometres or more at the start of treatment, and
• the manufacturer  provides aflibercept with the discount agreed in the patient access scheme

The macula is the central part of the retina responsible for colour vision and perception of fine detail. Diabetic macular oedema is caused when blood vessels abnormally form under the retina and then begin to break down causing plasma to leak into the eye. The leakage is due to a reduction in the amount of connective tissues around the blood vessels and an increased amount of a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This causes plasma constituents to escape into the surrounding retina which results in a build-up of excess fluid called oedema. The oedema can lead to severe visual impairment in the affected eye.

Aflibercept is a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor. It prevents abnormal new blood vessels from forming under the retina. It also helps treat swelling in the retina caused by the build-up of excess fluid (oedema). 

Dr Carole Longson, Health Technology Evaluation Centre Director at NICE said:  “Diabetic macular oedema is a common problem among people with diabetes.  The manufacturer has agreed a patient access scheme which reduces the financial burden of aflibercept on the NHS.  NICE is, therefore, pleased to recommend aflibercept as an additional treatment option for some people with diabetic macular oedema in preliminary guidance.”

For more details, go to: https://www.nice.org.uk/news/press-and-media/nice-gives-green-light-to-aflibercept-for-the-treatment-of-common-eye-condition-in-draft-guidance