While pressure is being build up to retain ranibizumab (Lucentis) for saving eye sight. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has given its verdict as it has announced to impose a ban on the drug. Even there are issues related with the cost of the drug.

It has been told that there are nearly 50,000 people in the UK who are battling with diabetic macular oedema (DMO), which can be cured with the drug. It has been told that DMO is a condition which can make one blind after fluid leaks from small blood vessels in the eye.

So far, laser treatment was used but the effect of the treatment is limited to simply reduce eye sight loss and nothing beyond that. Perhaps that's why the drug is being given so much of importance by one and all.

The panel which announced the decision is of the view that the evidence produced by the manufacturer Novartis is not sufficient to keep the dug under use. However, the NICE is of the say that all those who are currently using the drug must be given the chance whether to continue with the drug or not.

"The independent appraisal committee recognizes the effect that visual impairment can have on day to day life for people with this condition", said Sir Andrew Dillon, NICE Chief Executive. However, strong opposition could be seen from Diabetes UK, JDRF (formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), the Macular Disease Society and the Royal National Institute of Blind People.

This drug is by far the first licensed treatment which could significantly deal with sight loss due to DMO, but this decision has somewhat cast doubt on future treatments.

It is being believed by the charities that the makers of the drug must approach the Department of Health and NICE to sort out the differences pertaining to cost structure of the drug.