The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends the use of ranibizumab for patients with diabetic macular oedema (DME).

Ranibizumab, the only licensed anti-VEGF treatment for DME, has been issued positive draft guidance from NICE. Patients could soon benefit from the treatment- which could restore vision, prevent visual loss and maintain visual improvement.

Novartis has previously conducted a number of clinical trials on the DME treatment and concluded that the likelihood of gaining 10 or more letters of vision doubled compared to using a laser. With laser therapy three times as many patients could lose vision compared to those who were administered ranibizumab.

The Final Appraisal Document for ranibizumab is expected to be completed by the end of this year and will ensure that as many patients as possible have access to ranibizumab.