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Re: Saxena et al.: Steroids versus no steroids in nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: a randomized controlled trial (Ophthalmology. 2018;125:1623-1627).

“…2 For example, ranibizumab was initially approved for neovascular age-related macular degeneration in Australia in 2007, and twice rejected by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee for approval for diabetic macular edema owing to cost concerns. 3 The approval for ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema (which would effectively increase the market for ranibizumab) coincided with a sharp price decrease for ranibizumab in 2014. 3 A lower price was also accompanied by a later approval and subsequent coverage for diabetic macular edema compared with the United States.…”

“…3 The approval for ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema (which would effectively increase the market for ranibizumab) coincided with a sharp price decrease for ranibizumab in 2014. 3 A lower price was also accompanied by a later approval and subsequent coverage for diabetic macular edema compared with the United States. In contrast, when a medication is approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services pays the price set by the manufacturer without direct negotiation or a similar review process.…”

Re: Gong et al.: Comparison of United States and international ophthalmic drug pricing (Ophthalmology. 2019;126:1358-1365

“…Few reports suggest that a q8w regimen approval has been sought by the sponsor from the US Food and Drug Administration in place of the q12w regimen. 3 It would be helpful for clinicians to know the anticipated dosing regimen of brolucizumab (q12w or q8w) when it comes to the market for clinical use.…”