A drug that revolutionised age-related macular degeneration treatment in New Zealand heaped unprecedented strain on to eye departments. Injected in small quantities into the eye, Avastin is actually a cancer drug, but is used off-label to treat macular degeneration. Prof Sanderson said using the drug off-label had been a boon for patients, as it meant they could access a life-changing drug without the big price tag. While the drug itself is cheap, it has added hugely to the workload of staff. Prof Anthony Molteno told the Southland Times the drug had been "working like a bomb".

Source: Otago Daily Times November 11, 2016 17:10 UTC