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Medical Devices Pharmaceuticals Vaccines Medical Procedures Medical Diagnostic Equipments Digital Medicine Public health policy
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25 September 2025

Systematic review and meta-analysis of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin®) in macular diseases

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Project Code 211-372-2555(1)
Project Duration
Start : 10 February 2014
End : 2 October 2014
Research Status
Completed 100%
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All research
25 September 2025

Systematic review and meta-analysis of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin®) in macular diseases

About Project

Content
There is increasing impetus to use pharmaceutical interventions, ie, ranibizumab or bevacizumab, for the treatment of particular macular diseases. This study conducts the evidence synthesis to inform policy decision-making of the National List of Essential Medicines Committee that recently announced the inclusion of bevacizumab for the treatment of macular diseases in its pharmaceutical benefit package. The findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis in this study indicate that the intravitreal administration of bevacizumab is superior to nonpharmaceutical treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), but inconclusive for retinal vein occlusion, given the limited evidence. The study also failed to distinguish among the differences in terms of visual acuity improvement, reduction of central macular thickness, and response to treatment between AMD and DME patients treated with bevacizumab and those treated with ranibizumab. Although bevacizumab was not licensed for AMD and DME, the committee decided to include bevacizumab in the National List of Essential Medicines. It is expected that many patients who are in need of treatment but who are unable to afford the expensive alternative drug, ranibizumab, will be able to receive this effective treatment instead and be prevented from suffering irreversible loss of vision.
Research Type
Others
Related Technologies
Pharmaceuticals
Others
Funding Source
Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program Foundation (HITAP)

Research Team

Co-Researcher
Sumalai Sompitak
Sumalai Sompitak
Suthasinee Kumluang
Suthasinee Kumluang

Related Organizations/
Supporting Organizations

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Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program Foundation (HITAP)

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