The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) gives Jetrea the all clear.
Leuven, Belgium-ThromboGenics NV announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has provided a positive recommendation for Jetrea (ocriplasmin), recommending Jetrea for the treatment of symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion (VMA), including when associated with a macular hole of a diameter ≤ to 400 µm.
Jetrea, a recombinant form of a human protein (plasmin), is administered through a one-time, single intravitreal injection. It targets the protein fibers, which cause the abnormal pulling between vitreous and macula that causes VMA. By dissolving these proteins, Jetrea releases the traction, and helps to complete the detachment of the vitreous from the macula.
Alcon, a division of Novartis, acquired the rights to commercialize Jetrea outside the United States in March 2012. ThromboGenics retains the rights to commercialize the drug in the U.S., where Jetrea has received FDA approval for the treatment of patients with VMA. The first patients in the U.S. have already received the treatment.
