The following NICE appraisal has been considered by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland through its procedure of processing NICE appraisals (http://www.nhsqis.org/nhsqis/files/NICEGuidanceProcess.pdf):
1. NICE (Multiple) Technology Appraisal Guidance No 155 – Ranibizumab and Pegaptanib for Age-related Macular Degeneration
Web reference for appraisal and other related documents: http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/TA155
Due to additional work required, advice on this NICE MTA will be provided to NHSScotland by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland in due course. In the meantime NHSScotland should continue to adhere to the SMC advice on ranibizumab (Lucentis®) and pegaptanib (Macugen®) for age-related macular degeneration.
SMC advice published in June 2007 - Ranibizumab (Lucentis®) is accepted for use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Ranibizumab reduces the rate of visual acuity loss and increases visual acuity. It should be stopped if visual acuity falls persistently below 6/60 during treatment.
SMC advice published in August 2006 - Pegaptanib for intravitreal injection (Macugen®) is accepted for restricted use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It has been shown to reduce the rate of loss of visual acuity in patients with subfoveal neovascular AMD. Pegaptanib should be restricted to patients with visual acuity between 6/12
to 6/60 (inclusive) and should be stopped if visual acuity falls below 6/60 during treatment or where severe visual loss is experienced. The cost effectiveness of pegaptanib in patients who are also receiving photodynamic therapy has, however, not been demonstrated.