Macular Degeneration drug announcement welcome
27th August 2008
Anne Main has welcomed today's announcement by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence that the NHS will fund the vital sight-saving drug Lucentis.
Anne Main, MP for St Albans, has welcomed today's announcement by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence that the NHS will fund the vital sight-saving drug Lucentis.
Under the deal the NHS will fund the first 14 injections, and the cost of any further necessary injections will be covered by Lucentis manufacturer Novartis.
Anne said:
"Today's announcement is very welcome. I have been contacted by many constituents who risked losing their sight as a result of the lack of guidance for PCTs on this issue. The previous position was, understandably, a big cause of anxiety amongst patients, and I have been lobbying for adequate funding for some time.
This decision is a testament to the work of those like Ken Nutty, the leader of the St Albans Macular Degeneration Club, who have been instrumental in campaigning for funding for this drug.
However, it is important to remember that Dry Macular Degeneration, which makes up 80% of cases, is not treatable. A radical overhaul of provision of equipment for sufferers of Dry MD is long overdue, and I am continuing to press Health Minister Ivan Lewis to take action on this.""
