Avastin has not been licensed for use in macular degeneration. However, the law allows the use of either unlicensed medicines or the prescribing of a licensed medicinal product “off-label”—that is outside the terms of its marketing authorisation in order to meet special clinical needs. Such prescriptions are subject to the individual clinician’s judgment and are on the personal responsibility of the prescriber, and subject to funding by the primary care trust.