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Intravitreal implant recommended for treatment of macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion
MARLOW, England — The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has recommended a dexamethasone intravitreal implant for treating macular edema due to central and branch retinal vein occlusion, according to a press release from Allergan.
"RVO is the second most common cause of reduced vision due to retinal vascular disease. The decision announced today represents the first [National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence] recommendation for a licensed treatment for macular edema associated with RVO," Douglas D. Ingram, Allergan's executive vice president and president for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, said in the release.
Ozurdex (dexamethasone intravitreal implant 0.7 mg, Allergan) slowly releases dexamethasone into the eye, working to control edema, reduce inflammation and improve vision.
The recommendation was prompted by two 6-month prospective, double-masked, parallel-group studies in which 1,267 patients were randomized to receive sham therapy or the dexamethasone implant. After 2 months, 30% of patients achieved at least 15 letters of visual improvement. At 6 months, visual acuity had improved or not worsened in 80% of patients.
The most common adverse events reported were increased IOP, occurring in 24% of patients, and conjunctival hemorrhage, occurring in 14.7%.