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Monday, December 24, 2007

Holiday Peace! Macular Degeneration Drug Controversy Resolved
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Let there be Peace on Earth - and good vision, too!

A few weeks back this blog reported on a controversial decision by drug-maker Genentech to limit access by ophthalmologists to its inexpensive cancer chemotherapy drug Avastin. Genentech also makes Lucentis, an expensive injection to treat age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).

It just so happens that Avastin and Lucentis are very similar formulas, so ophthalmologists wanted to offer injectable Avastin as a cheap alternative to Lucentis. Click here to read more about the situation.

Great news! As predicted here, all parties have resolved the standoff and ophthalmologists will continue to have legal, unrestricted access to Avastin.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retinal Surgeons negotiated a resolution with Genentech. Here is an excerpt from AAO's recent press release:

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) are pleased to report that a solution has been found that addresses Genentech's decision to no longer allow compounding pharmacies to purchase Avastin® (bevacizumab) directly from authorized wholesale distributors. The Academy and ASRS believed that this change in distribution could have impacted access to Avastin for some physicians and patients.

Working together, we have determined that physicians can prescribe Avastin and purchase it directly from authorized wholesale distributors and wholesalers can ship to the destination of the physician's choice, including to hospital pharmacies, compounding pharmacies or directly to their office.

Genentech also remains committed to ensuring that eligible patients have access to Lucentis® regardless of their ability to pay. Physicians or patients who have questions related to access and reimbursement services offered by Genentech can call Genentech's Lucentis Commitment™ helpline at 1.866.724.9394.

So it appears that AMD patients needing genetically-engineered medical therapy to preserve their failing eyesight will continue to have choices in 2008 - a fine holiday gift indeed!

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Posted by: Dr. Lloyd at 1:08 PM

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