The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has approved the use of Alcon's Nevanac in patients suffering from diabetes to minimize the possibility of postoperative macular oedema (MO) coupled with cataract surgery.
The approval allows the use of 1mg/ml, eye drops of ocular non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in diabetic patients.
Alcon UK general manager Roger Lopez said, "MO is difficult to treat requiring additional eye care for a prolonged time which can lead to increased healthcare costs."
Nevanac is the only NSAID licensed in UK for reduction of MO coupled with cataract surgery in diabetic patients based on clinical trial program concerning over 200 diabetic patients.
In the randomized clinical study, patients were treated with Nevanac, right from presurgical procedure till 90 days after cataract extraction.
Prospective study observed the decline in the probability of MO and sustained visual acuity in diabetic patients.
SMC considered the demonstration of economic case for Nevanac in reducing risk of post operative MO associated with diabetic cataract patients.
