Campaigns

New anti-VEGF treatments for wet AMD

Summary: Two new anti-VEGF treatments for wet AMD go through the NICE appraisal process - Macugen and Lucentis.

• About the new AMD treatments
• Further information

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About the new AMD treatments

One of RNIB's Royal Charter objectives is the prevention of blindness. We therefore seek to ensure that new sight-saving treatments are quickly available on the National Health Service. We campaigned for two and a half years to influence the NICE appraisal of PDT and we are now engaging with the appraisal of two new anti-VEGF treatments for wet AMD, Macugen and Lucentis.

Both drugs, Macugen and Lucentis, are licensed for the treatment of patients with all types of wet AMD (as opposed to photocoagulation and photodynamic therapy that can only be given to 20-25 per cent of patients).

Anti-VEGF drugs work by targeting VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor), a protein that helps the formation of new blood vessels. In the case of AMD these new blood vessels are unstable and tend to leak fluid and blood under the retina. The resulting scarring then causes irreversible sight loss. The anti-VEGF drugs inhibit the growth of new blood vessels, thereby minimising the risk of scarring.

Treatment with anti-VEGF drugs requires regular injections into the eye. In the case of Macugen six weekly injections are given. In the case of Lucentis the license provides for three four-weekly injections followed by a review every four weeks when the treating consultant decides about the need for further injections. In practice patients are likely to receive eight injections in the first year and six injections in the second year with further treatment depending on the progression of the disease.

Finally, there are increasing discussions about the use of another anti-VEGF treatment that has not gone through proper clinical trials. This treatment, called Avastin, is being used by some ophthalmologists in the UK on a private basis. However, until clinical trials have proven its safety and efficacy RNIB cannot recommend its use. We are looking forward to the results of a clinical trial organised by the National Eye Institute in the United States that is due to start in April 2007 as well as clinical trials due that will take place in the UK. For more information on Avastin please visit the website of the AMD Alliance International at the link given below.

Further information

If you would like further information or have been refused treatment for wet AMD please contact us either by phone on 0845 766 9999. We are keen to help you make your case with your local PCT.

• Campaign News - follow the progress of the AMD treatment campaign.
• List of treatment centres that provide Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) on the NHS and may also provide the new anti-VEGF treatments for this condition.

Further information about AMD

• See our guide to understanding age-related macular degeneration.
• Macular Disease Society website - providing information and support for people dealing with macular degeneration and related retinal diseases.
• The AMD Alliance International is a global coalition of vision and seniors' organisations dedicated to raising awareness of AMD and the options available for prevention, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation and support services.

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Content author: campaign@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 08/04/2008 18:38