FDA Approves Two Interchangeable Biosimilars to Eylea

Sandoz's Enzeevu and Alvotech's Avastin Biosimilar Approved

Key Points:

* The FDA has approved two interchangeable biosimilars to Eylea: * Sandoz's Enzeevu (aflibercept-abzv) * Alvotech's Avastin biosimilar (bevacizumab-bvzr) * These approvals provide patients with new treatment options for conditions like wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. * Interchangeable biosimilars are highly similar to their reference products and can be substituted without the need for a doctor's prescription.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two interchangeable biosimilars to Eylea (aflibercept), a widely used injectable drug for treating wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and other eye conditions.

The approved biosimilars are:

• Sandoz's Enzeevu (aflibercept-abzv)
• Alvotech's Avastin biosimilar (bevacizumab-bvzr)

These approvals mark the first interchangeable biosimilars for Eylea, which has been a blockbuster drug for its manufacturer, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Interchangeable biosimilars are highly similar to their reference products and can be substituted by a pharmacist without the need for a doctor's prescription.

Benefits of Biosimilars

Biosimilars offer several advantages over their reference products:

* Lower cost: Biosimilars are typically priced lower than their reference products. * Increased competition: The introduction of biosimilars fosters competition in the pharmaceutical market. * Expanded treatment options: Biosimilars provide patients with access to new treatment options, which can improve healthcare outcomes. * Improved patient safety: Biosimilars undergo rigorous safety testing and are manufactured to high standards, ensuring patient safety.

Conclusion

The FDA's approval of these two interchangeable biosimilars for Eylea significantly expands treatment options and gives patients access to potentially lower-cost treatments. The introduction of high-quality biosimilars ensures that more patients can receive the care they need.