Biopharmaceutical company ThromboGenics' Jetrea has received approval from UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the treatment of some adults with vitreomacular traction (VMT), a rare eye condition.
Known as ocriplasmin, Jetrea is administered through a one-time, single intravitreal injection to break down the protein fibers which cause the abnormal traction between vitreous and macula leading to VMT.
Ocriplasmin has been recommended by NICE as an option to treat VMT in adults only if they have severe symptoms and an epiretinal membraneii is not present.
NICE Health Technology Evaluation Centre director Professor Carole Longson said that VMT can lead to significant sight problems and even loss of vision in the long run.
"Ocriplasmin injection represents an innovation in treating patients with vitreomacular traction and, as it provides an alternative to 'watch and wait' and/or surgery, would be welcomed by clinicians and patients," Longson added.
Alcon, a division of Novartis, acquired the rights to commercialize Jetrea outside the US in March 2012, while the right to commercialize the drug in the US is retained by ThromboGenics.
