Eylea (aflibercept) has received the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) green light for treatment of neovascular (wet) Age Related Macular Degeneration for both new and existing patients that are currently being treated with Lucentis (ranibizumab).
The Macular Degeneration Foundation has welcomed the decision, which comes into effect from 1 December.
The Foundation has advocated that “switching” should be allowed between anti-VEGF drugs Lucentis or Eylea and that ultimately, the decision about which drug is most appropriate and potentially beneficial to the patient should be made on the recommendation of the eye specialist in consultation with the patient.
“The Government’s decision on extending listings for Macular Degeneration medicines, which will enable switching between drugs, is a very welcome one,” said Macular Degeneration Foundation CEO, Julie Heraghty.
“This will mean that ophthalmologists have the option to now assess patients for the most appropriate drug on an individualised basis to ensure the best outcome for the patient.”
“Most importantly, for some patients, this decision will mean fewer injections for the treatment of wet Age-related Macular Degeneration, lessening the burden of treatment for the patient, their carers and family,” said Ms. Heraghty.
Eylea, a novel recombinant fusion protein, works by trapping excess vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the eye and has a higher binding affinity for VEGF than natural receptors have. Trapping excess VEGF limits the growth of abnormal blood vessels and hence reduces leakage. Treatment is administered via intraocular injection that is initiated with three four-weekly injections, followed by one injection every eight weeks.
Professor Paul Mitchell, from the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital said the inclusion of Eylea on the PBS provides patients and ophthalmologists with another effective and affordable option for treatment of wet AMD.
“As a world leader in ophthalmic care, Australia is continually at the fore of medical advances in this field, and as clinicians, we welcome the addition of new treatment options that have the potential to keep blindness at bay,” said Professor Mitchell.
Australia is among the first countries in the world to have Eylea funded by government.
