Aflibercept, ranibizumab and bevacizumab upcoming biosimilars: a general overview

Abstract

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factors currently are the first-line treatment option for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and other retinal vascular disorders, and their clinical use is associated with high financial burden. Biosimilars are a type of biological product highly similar to referral biologic drugs; they are increasing competition among biologics and have the potential to reduce the overall expenditures on biologics. In this comprehensive literature review, the current investigational biosimilars acting on retinal diseases are discussed. The authors review the results of clinical studies and highlight ongoing trials. Several biosimilar candidates are under evaluation and the pipeline will rapidly change in the future, as soon as each patent expires. Clinicians have to know these new therapeutic agents, which might come in the mainstream clinical practice as a more cost-efficient option.

Keywords: Aflibercept; Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs; Bevacizumab; Biosimilars; Intravitreal injections; Macular degeneration; Ranibizumab.