Freedom of information request: availability of ocriplasmin (Jetrea) for the treatment of vitreomacular traction (VMT)

1)    Is ocriplasmin routinely available for prescription to eligible patients following the publication of the guidance on 23rd October 2013?

No

If not, why not?

Ocriplasmin is not available for prescribing at HEFT.  We are waiting for a number of things to be in place including; -the drug company to supply a medication freezer to ensure correct storage -formulary group approval -clarification of funding with HEFT/CCGs

2)    Has ocriplasmin been incorporated into your local formulary?

No

a) If not, why not?

It was submitted for the November Formulary meeting and we are awaiting confirmation of approval.

b) If not, by which date are you expecting to incorporate ocriplasmin into your formulary?

Following confirmation of approval

3)    Following Sir David Nicholson’s letter to NHS Chief Executives in August 2012 confirming the 1st April 2013 deadline for the introduction of the NHS Compliance Regime for Technology Appraisals, are you planning to publish information on whether the technology guidance for ocriplasmin has been adopted onto the local formulary?

Yes

If so, when are you planning to publish it?

It will be published on the local formulary

4)    Has your organisation informed ophthalmologists, and other relevant clinicians, in your area, about the new NICE guidance on ocriplasmin?

Yes

Yes the ophthalmology directorate are aware of this new NICE guidance on ocriplasmin

b) If not, why not?

Not applicable