New AMD drug can now be used for all patients, not just new ones

Current treatments require a monthly injection but Eylea can be used every two months after a start-up period, which makes it more convenient for those affected by frequent injections and who have to travel to see a medical practitioner.
Clinical trial data indicate that the first drug approved and PBS listed for treatment of AMD, Lucentis, and Eylea produce very similar results.
The PBAC originally determined that switching would not be allowed between either drugs and that once one treatment was started, the patient would have to stay on that treatment, and that was endorsed by the government as one of the listing conditions.
The PBAC determination in regard to PBS listing of aflibercept for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration was originally limited to “treatment-naïve patients on a cost-minimisation basis with ranibizumab (Lucentis), a medicine already listed on the PBS for the treatment of AMD
The PBAC, an independent, expert advisory body comprising medical practitioners, other health professionals and a consumer representative, makes recommendations to the Australian government about PBS listings.
The government cannot list a medicine on the PBS unless the PBAC makes a recommendation in favour of its listing.
After representations by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists and the Macular Degeneration Foundation, the PBAC’s original determination was reversed.
At a special meeting in August, the PBAC recommended that the restriction to treat naïve patients be roved to allow the treatment of patients who have previously received ranibizumab therapy and to allow patients to switch between the two treatments.
Over one million Australians suffer from macular degeneration that affects one in seven people aged over 50 and this medicine treats the most severe form of the disease – wet age related macular degeneration.
The most common adverse reactions to Eylea include conjunctival haorrhage, cataract, eye pain, vitreous detachment and increased intraocular pressure.
Name change for MDF – The Macular Degeneration Foundation is changing its name to the Macular Disease Foundation.