G-BA finds Jetrea benefits VMT patients

Leuven, Belgium-The final early benefit assessment from the German Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) has concluded that ThromboGenics’ ocriplasmin (Jetrea) demonstrates significant added benefit for vitreomacular traction (VMT) patients with mild and moderate symptoms.

Ocriplasmin is currently one of six innovative medicines appraised by G-BA to provide significant added therapeutic benefits for patients.

“Significant” demonstrates a sustained and large improvement in the therapy-relevant benefit. In its assessment, G-BA considered the potential improvements in visual acuity and the avoidance of surgery in the back of the eye by ocriplasmin as beneficial for patients.

G-BA’s final guidance confirms the recommendation made by the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care in August.

“The confirmation from G-BA that (ocriplasmin) represents a significant value treatment for patients with mild VMT is a very positive development,” said Patrik De Haes, MD, chief executive officer of ThromboGenics. “For the first time, patients can be treated early, meaning that they can avoid the adverse consequences of the current watch-and-wait approach.”

“Given the low risk profile of the injection, it is now possible to intervene in patients with VMT at a very early stage,” said Anselm Kampik, MD, PhD, director of the eye clinic of the University of Munich. “Many early-stage patients still have a good visual function which, with a timely intervention, can be preserved or even improved. So a better functional outcome can be expected, than when only treating the patient after a period of watchful waiting.”

In addition, ocriplasmin has been nominated for the 2013 Prix Galien USA Award in the best biotechnology product category.

The Prix Galien USA, now in its 7^th year, is an international award that recognizes outstand achievements in improving human health through the development of innovative therapies.

The winner is selected by a committee of nine experts in the biomedical industry and academia, including five Nobel Laureates.

“We are extremely proud that (ocriplasmin) has been nominated for such a prestigious award,” Dr. De Haes said.

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