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The NHS could save ?84m a year by using a cheaper drug to treat a leading cause of blindness, research suggests.
NHS-funded research says both Lucentis and Avastin have a similar effect in preventing loss of sight when used for wet age-related macular degeneration.
Lucentis costs about ?700 an injection, and Avastin ?60 - but Avastin is not officially approved for eye conditions.
Novartis, which markets Lucentis in the UK, is taking legal action against four NHS trusts for using the cheaper drug.
The company says the use of Avastin - developed to treat cancer - is undermining patient safety.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17956425
NHS-funded research says both Lucentis and Avastin have a similar effect in preventing loss of sight when used for wet age-related macular degeneration.
Lucentis costs about ?700 an injection, and Avastin ?60 - but Avastin is not officially approved for eye conditions.
Novartis, which markets Lucentis in the UK, is taking legal action against four NHS trusts for using the cheaper drug.
The company says the use of Avastin - developed to treat cancer - is undermining patient safety.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17956425
