Ocriplasmin Gets EU Nod for Treating Vitreomacular Traction

The European Commission has approved the use of ocriplasmin for treating vitreomacular traction (VMT) in the European Union.

Ocriplasmin has been developed by ThromboGenics in collaboration with Novartis and will be sold under the brand name Jetrea. VMT is an age-related and progressive condition which could result in severe eye damage.

The drug has been approved for treating VMT when it is associated with a macular hole with a diameter of 400 ĩm or less.

ThromboGenics will be paid €45 million by Alcon, a subsidiary unit of Novartis, with a similar payment to be made with the first sale of the drug. Around 250,000-300,000 patients in Europe are reported to suffer from VMT with the current treatment involving a 'watchful process' until the patient is eligible for surgery.

Source: Medindia