9 Sources of evidence considered by the Committee

A. The Evidence Review Group (ERG) report for this appraisal was prepared by Aberdeen HTA Group:

  • Cummins E, Fielding S, Johnston R, Rothnie K, Stewart F, Lois N, Burr J, Brazzelli M. Aflibercept solution for injection for the treatment of wet age‑related macular degeneration. Aberdeen HTA Group, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, 2013

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. Organisations listed in I were also invited to make written submissions. Organisations listed in II gave their expert views on Aflibercept solution for injection for the first line treatment of wet age‑related macular degeneration (AMD) by providing a written statement to the Committee. Organisations listed in I, II and III have the opportunity to appeal against the final appraisal determination.

I. Manufacturer/sponsor

  • Bayer

II. Professional/specialist and patient/carer groups:

  • Macular Society

  • Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)

  • Royal College of Nursing

  • Royal College of Ophthalmologists

  • Royal College of Pathologists

III. Other consultees:

  • Department of Health

  • Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (PCT Cluster)

  • Welsh Government

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

  • Commissioning Support Appraisals Service

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

  • Healthcare Improvement Scotland

  • Moorfields Pharmaceuticals

  • Novartis Pharmaceuticals

  • Aberdeen HTA 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 aflibercept by providing oral evidence to the Committee.

  • Ian Pearce, Consultant Ophthalmologist, nominated by RNIB – clinical specialist

  • Robert Johnson, Consultant Ophthalmologist, nominated by Bayer – clinical specialist

  • Sobha Sivaprasad, Consultant Ophthalmologist, nominated by The Royal College of Ophthalmologists ‑ clinical specialist

  • Cathy Yelf, nominated by Macular Society ‑ patient expert

  • Clara Eaglan, nominated by RNIB ‑ 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.

  • Bayer

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)