4 Sources of evidence considered by the Committee

A. The Evidence Review Group (ERG) report for Fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant for the treatment of chronic diabetic macular oedema after an inadequate response to prior therapy (NICE technology appraisal 271) was prepared by Warwick Evidence:

  • Cummins E, Shyangdan D, Royle P, Johnston R, Ho V, Briscoe S, Lois N, Waugh N. Fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant for the treatment of chronic diabetic macular oedema: A Single Technology Appraisal. Warwick Evidence, 2012

The critique for this appraisal was prepared by Warwick Evidence:

  • Cummins E, Lois N. Waugh N. Fluocinolone for diabetic macular oedema: evidence review group report on Alimera submission for rapid review of TA 271.

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 1 were also invited to make written submissions. Organisations listed in 2 and 3 had the opportunity to give their expert views. Organisations listed in 1, 2 and 3 also have the opportunity to appeal against the final appraisal determination.

  1. Manufacturer/sponsor:

    • Alimera Sciences Inc

  2. Professional/specialist and patient/carer groups:

    • Diabetes UK

    • Fight for Sight

    • Organisation of Blind African Caribbeans

    • Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)

    • Royal College of Nursing

    • Royal College of Ophthalmologists

    • Royal College of Physicians

  3. Other consultees:

    • Department of Health

    • Welsh Government

  4. 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

    • Novartis Pharmaceuticals

    • Pfizer

    • Roche Products

C. The following individuals were selected from clinical specialist and patient expert nominations from the non‑manufacturer/sponsor consultees and commentators. They gave their expert personal view on Fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant for the treatment of chronic diabetic macular oedema by attending the initial Committee discussion and providing written evidence to the Committee. They are invited to comment on the ACD.

  • Clare Bailey,Consultant Ophthalmologist, nominated by Alimera Sciences Inc – clinical specialist

  • Professor Yit Yang, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Nominated by Royal College of Ophthalmologists – clinical specialist

  • Clara Eaglen, Policy and Campaigns manager, 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.

  • Alimera Sciences Inc.