GENENTECH AND THE USE OF LUCENTIS AND AVASTIN FOR OPHTHALMIC PURPOSES

That this House notes the positive clinical results from the use of Lucentis for ophthalmic uses; further notes that Avastin has also been found to be efficacious for similar purposes; further notes that Genentech, the manufacturer of both, has resisted the clinical use of Avastin in an ophthalmic setting; queries whether the fact that Lucentis has a cost of the order of 40 times the cost of Avastin is a matter which is influencing the manufacturer; and calls on Health Ministers to enter into discussions with Genentech as to how most effectively patients in England can have their ophthalmic issues properly medicated.