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CMS issues permanent J-code for Beovu
Beovu, Novartis’ wet age-related macular edema treatment, has been granted a permanent J-code from CMS, effective Jan. 1, 2020.
Beovu (brolucizumab-dbll) was approved by the FDA in October 2019 and is the first anti-VEGF approved for 3-month dosing intervals following a 3-month loading phase.
J0179 establishes a new level II HCPCS code for “Injection, brolucizumab-dbll, 1 mg,” according to the CMS.gov website.
“We were pleased to receive a permanent J-code for Beovu earlier than anticipated,” Patrick Mooney, vice president and head of Novartis’ U.S. ophthalmology franchise, said in correspondence with Healio/OSN. “The assignment of this permanent J-code can facilitate more timely reimbursement for retina specialists, which helps with access of this new treatment option for appropriate patients.”
In the phase 3 HAWK and HARRIER clinical trials, the drug demonstrated noninferiority to aflibercept (Regeneron) through 48 weeks.
“Order requests for Beovu are coming to us from across the U.S., and we are hearing positive feedback,” Mooney said.