Written question asked by Julian Huppert (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 24 February 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 27 February 2015 (named day). It was answered by George Freeman (Conservative) on Friday, 27 February 2015 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Macular Degeneration: Drugs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will review regulations applying to the licensing of the drug Avastin for use in eye conditions, in response to recent research on that drug's safety and efficacy compared to licensed alternatives.

Answer: The European framework for licensing of medicines is designed to ensure medicines that are placed on the market have been tested for safety, quality and efficacy and the system confers important benefits for patients and the healthcare system. Avastin is not licensed for the treatment of eye conditions and has not been assessed by the regulatory authorities for the treatment of eye conditions. However, clinicians may decide to use an off label or unlicensed medicine in cases where there is not a licensed medicine available to meet the clinical needs of an individual patient. There are no plans at this time to review the regulations that apply to licensing of medicines.

Secondary information