2.1
Aflibercept solution for injection (Eylea, Bayer) administered by intravitreal injection. It is a soluble vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor fusion protein.
2 The technology
Description of the technology
Marketing authorisation
2.2
Aflibercept has a marketing authorisation in the UK for treating 'visual impairment due to macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (branch or central)'. NICE has already issued guidance on aflibercept when treating visual impairment due to macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion.
Adverse events
2.3
Conjunctival haemorrhaging, reduction in visual acuity, eye pain, cataract, intraocular pressure increasing, vitreous detachment and vitreous floaters. For full details of adverse reactions and contraindications, see the summary of product characteristics.
Recommended dose and schedule
2.4
The recommended dose of aflibercept is 2 mg, equivalent to 50 microlitres.
Price
2.5
The list price of aflibercept is £816 for 1 vial (excluding VAT; BNF, accessed May 2016).
2.6
The company has agreed a patient access scheme with the Department of Health. This scheme provides a simple discount to the list price of aflibercept, with the discount applied at the point of purchase or invoice. The level of the discount is commercial in confidence. The Department of Health considered that this patient access scheme does not constitute an excessive administrative burden on the NHS.