NICE recommends use of Eylea (aflibercept) for visual impairment due to branch retinal vein occlusion- Bayer HealthCare

The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has published final guidance supporting the routine use of Eylea (aflibercept), from Bayer HealthCare, for patients with visual impairment due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). NICE initially recommended the use of Eylea only in the second-line setting.

NICE concluded that Eylea is more cost effective than current first-line treatment laser photocoagulation for untreated visual impairment caused by macular oedema secondary to BRVO. It also decided that the injection is more clinically effective when given before, as opposed to after, laser photocoagulation, giving patients access to the therapy at the earliest opportunity.