10 Sources of evidence considered by the Committee

A The Evidence Review Group (ERG) report for this appraisal was prepared by BMJ‑Technology Assessment Group (BMJ‑TAG):

  • Edwards SJ, Barton S, Trevor N et al. Ranibizumab for the treatment of macular oedema caused by retinal vein occlusion (RVO): A Single Technology Appraisal, July 2011

B The following organisations accepted the invitation to participate in this appraisal as consultees and commentators. They were invited to comment on the draft scope, the ERG report and the appraisal consultation document (ACD). Organisations listed in I were also invited to make written submissions. Organisations listed in II and III had the opportunity to give their expert views. Organisations listed in I, II and III also have the opportunity to appeal against the final appraisal determination.

I. Manufacturer/sponsor:

  • Novartis Pharmaceuticals

II. Professional/specialist and patient/carer groups:

  • Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)

  • Royal College of Nursing

  • Royal College of Ophthalmologists

  • Royal College of Physicians

III. Other consultees:

  • Department of Health

  • Welsh Assembly Government

  • Wirral PCT

IV. Commentator organisations (did not provide written evidence and without the right of appeal):

  • British National Formulary

  • Commissioning Support Appraisals Service

  • Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for Northern Ireland

  • NHS Quality Improvement Scotland

  • Allergan

  • Roche Products

  • BMJ Group

  • National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme

C The following individuals were selected from clinical specialist and patient expert nominations from the consultees and commentators. They gave their expert personal view on ranibizumab by attending the initial Committee discussion and providing written evidence to the Committee. They were also invited to comment on the ACD.

  • Professor Jonathan Gibson, Consultant Ophthalmologist, nominated by Royal National Institute of Blind People – clinical specialist

  • Ian Pearce, Consultant Ophthalmologist, nominated by The Royal College of Ophthalmologists – clinical specialist

  • Sobha Sivaprasad, Consultant Ophthalmologist, nominated by Novartis Pharmaceuticals – clinical specialist

  • Rita Keeley, nominated by Royal National Institute of Blind People – patient expert

  • Steve Winyard, nominated by Royal National Institute of Blind People – patient expert

D Representatives from the following manufacturer/sponsor attended Committee meetings. They contributed only when asked by the Committee chair to clarify specific issues and comment on factual accuracy.

  • Novartis Pharmaceuticals

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)