Review of NICE Technology Appraisal no.68; Macular degeneration (age-related) - photodynamic therapy and no.155; Macular degeneration (age-related) - ranibizumab and pegaptanib

Decision to defer the review

We have been considering the optimum timing for the review of TA68 and TA155.  For TA155, the manufacturer of ranibizumab (Novartis) agreed a patient access scheme with the Department of Health.  Patient access schemes introduce complexity into the guidance review process.  As a consequence, we have decided to defer the consideration of the review of the guidance to allow for appropriate reflection on the existing patient access scheme. 

We will review this deferral decision in February 2012 and provide an update at that time.

October 2011