Friday, June 30, 2006
TSC Applauds FDA’s Approval of Lucentis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 30, 2006
PRESS CONTACT: Vicki Govro (703) 631-4211

Washington, D.C.- The Food and Drug Administration today approved Lucentis for the treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)- a common eye disease in older Americans that often leads to blindness.

Specifically, the drug, developed by Genentech, is effective in treating and even reversing the progress of “wet” macular degeneration. In "wet" macular degeneration , abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina causes often permanent and progressive vision loss. Although only 10 percent of all people with AMD have this type, it accounts for 90 percent of all blindness from the disease.

Lucentis has been shown to stop progression in well over 90% of these cases, often even improving eyesight. While other drug treatments have been successful in slowing the disease’s progress, the fact that it can actually improve eyesight in these patients is what makes its approval so important.

“Lucentis is am amazing breakthrough for AMD sufferers. Its approval means that victims of AMD have more options for treatment. Many seniors already near blindness, have the hope of recovering eyesight and even regaining independence,” said Dave Herman, Executive Director of The Seniors Coalition and Vice Chairman of AMD Alliance International.

The Seniors Coalition is a member of AMD Alliance International, whose mission is “to bring knowledge, help and hope to individuals and families around the world affected by AMD.” In September 2005, the two groups co-hosted a reception for U.S. lawmakers aimed at informing them of the pervasiveness of AMD among America’s seniors.

“I commend Genentech for investing so much time and money into this drug, and the FDA for having the good sense to approve its use. The benefits to AMD’s victims and their families will be immeasurable.” said Herman.

The Seniors Coalition is the nation’s leading free-market senior education and advocacy organization with a membership of more than 4 million seniors. It is a non-partisan, non-profit 501(c)(4) organization.