Latest developments set to transform the future management of retinal disease: A clinical and patient perspective

Pharma News: A recent TGA registration and positive Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommendation has prompted a deeper conversation on a significant cause of vision loss impacting many Australians.

Professor Paul Mitchell, ophthalmologist and Director of the Centre For Vision Research at The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, and Dr Kathy Chapman, CEO of Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA), joined Health Industry Hub to discuss the key barriers for patients in accessing and remaining adherent to current therapies for neovascular or ‘wet’ age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic retinopathy.

Professor Mitchell shared his insights on novel treatments that have the potential to transform the future diagnosis and management of these eye conditions to reduce the burden of disease. He commented on his team’s research focus and also the breakthrough research that will be presented at the upcoming AAO 2022 congress.

Dr Chapman and Professor Mitchell reflected on how industry can work better with patient advocacy groups, clinicians and academia in integrating the patient voice in research, regulatory and health technology assessment (HTA) activities.

MDFA is continuing to engage with the new government from an advocacy perspective to drive necessary policy changes and funding requirements. Dr Chapman commented on the areas of significance for this year.