ranibizumab (Lucentis)

following a resubmission:

ranibizumab (Lucentis®) is accepted for use within NHS Scotland.

Indication under review: for the treatment of visual impairment due to macular oedema (MO) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) (branch RVO or central RVO) in adults. This resubmission relates to branch RVO only.

Ranibizumab was associated with significant improvements in visual acuity during 6-month sham-controlled treatment in a phase III randomised double-blind study in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion.

This SMC advice takes account of the benefits of a Patient Access Scheme (PAS) that improves the cost-effectiveness of ranibizumab. This SMC advice is contingent upon the continuing availability of the patient access scheme in NHS Scotland or a list price that is equivalent or lower.

SMC has previously accepted ranibizumab for use in macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).  This advice now extends its use to patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).