TWO pharmaceutical giants have dragged the NHS to the High Court to prevent patients being given a cheaper sight-saving drug which could save millions.

Twelve clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in north-east England want to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — the leading cause of vision loss  — with an anti-cancer drug found to be “as clinically effective and safe,” as well as being significantly cheaper.

They say using Avastin could save the region’s NHS nearly £50 million over five years, while the BMJ has reported estimates that a national switch to Avastin could save the NHS £500m a year.