GPs 'should be able to prescribe drug for AMG treatment'

A drug used to treat bowel cancer is effective at treating age-related macular degeneration (AMG) and as a result should be prescribed by doctors.

This is according to specialists at London's Moorfields Eye Hospital, whose latest study, published in the British Medical Journal, found that the drug Avastin can prevent sight loss due to the condition and improve vision sharpness.

As this drug has already been licensed for the treatment of bowel cancer, the study leaders believe that GPs should be allowed to prescribe the drug immediately.

"Treatment is associated with a greater chance of moderate vision recovery and a reduced risk of moderate vision loss," the article reports.
In response to the research's findings, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has been asked by the Department of Health to investigate the economic viability of using the drug to treat AMG.

People over the age of 75 have a 30 per cent chance of developing AMG, according to the National Eye Institute.

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