We have made no estimate of the number of primary care trusts (PCTs) that have adopted the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence's (NICE'S) draft guidance on Lucentis and Macugen for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. The Government issued good practice guidance to the national health service in December 2006 that reiterated the message that, in the absence of final NICE guidance, primary care trusts should continue to make local arrangements for the introduction of new technologies. These arrangements should include an assessment of the available evidence.
NICE is currently appraising Lucentis and Macugen as treatments for age-related macular degeneration. NICE published a second appraisal consultation document on 14 December 2007. The consultation closed on 14 January 2008 and final guidance is expected in June.