Posted on 03/07/2009 in Pharmaceutical Company Product News
Roche is excited about the potential benefits Lucentis (ranibizumab injection) can bring to those suffering from retinal vein occlusion (RVO).
The company conducted a phase III trial named Bravo, which found Lucentis' safety profile to be consistent with no new adverse events.
The study evaluated patients with macular edema due to RVO and measured the primary endpoint of mean change at six months for best-corrected visual acuity - the best vision someone can achieve with a contact lens or eyeglass prescription.
Six monthly injections were compared to sham counterparts and a significant improvement was found in those who were given Lucentis.
William M Burns is head of the pharmaceutical division at Roche and said the company was encouraged the results. He described RVO as a "devastating" condition.
"We are excited that another pivotal study has demonstrated the important role Lucentis can play in improving vision in people with difficult-to-treat eye disease."
The NHS updated its guidance for ophthalmologists treating RVO in February 2009.
