Wet AMD (The Anti-VEGF Era and Beyond in Wet AMD: The Impact of Clinical Attributes and Market Access Status on Current and Future Prescribing Decisions Among Retinal Specialists) | Physician & Payer Forum | EU5 | 2014
Treatment for the wet (exudative, neovascular) form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Europe is characterized by several current therapies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Notable agents, administered via intravitreal (eye) injections, include Lucentis (Novartis), Eylea (Bayer), and compounded Avastin (Roche/Genentech/Chugai). However, the cost-constrained European health authorities are increasingly questioning the value of these agents, especially when compared with the VEGF inhibitor Avastin, which does not have marketing approval for the treatment of wet AMD, but which is priced significantly lower than Lucentis or Eylea. Because emerging agents offering novel mechanisms of action, greater convenience, or enhanced efficacy through adjunctive therapy are expected to launch in coming years, this report examines levers to optimize market access in the EU5 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom).