9 June 2016 - Bayer says it is disappointed that NICE is supporting NHS use of anti-VEGF therapy Eylea to treat a common cause of visual impairment only in the second-line setting.

The cost watchdog has published draft guidelines recommending Eylea (aflibercept) for visual impairment due to macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), but only when laser photocoagulation has not been beneficial or is unsuitable.

This advice goes against guidelines published by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) last year supporting prompt first-line treatment with anti-VEGF agents and restricting laser photocoagulation to when these other treatments are unsuccessful.

According to the RCOphth, laser photocoagulation is not recommended as a first-line option because of: poor vision gains with laser; the potential delay in laser treatment due to the presence of macular haemorrhage, which may compromise visual potential in eyes with persistent macular oedema; and better outcomes associated with the newer treatments.

For more details, go to: http://www.pharmatimes.com/news/nices_eylea_guideline_out_of_touch_with_clinical_practice_1037311