The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ahzantive (aflibercept-mrbb), a biosimilar to Eylea (aflibercept), for the treatment of several retinal diseases. Developed by Formycon AG and its licensing partner Klinge Biopharma GmbH, Ahzantive is now cleared for use in patients with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO). This approval marks a significant step toward providing more affordable treatment options for patients suffering from these conditions.
Mechanism of Action
Ahzantive functions by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein responsible for the excessive formation of blood vessels in the retina. By blocking VEGF, Ahzantive helps to reduce the abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage that contribute to vision loss in retinal diseases.
Clinical Data and Efficacy
The FDA's approval of Ahzantive was based on a comprehensive data package that included analytical, preclinical, clinical, and manufacturing data. Clinical trials demonstrated that Ahzantive has comparable efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity to Eylea in patients with nAMD. This comparability is crucial for biosimilars, ensuring that patients receive the same therapeutic benefits as the reference product.
Dr. Stefan Glombitza, CEO of Formycon AG, stated, "The FDA approval of FYB203/Ahzantive® is another key milestone on our way to becoming the leading pure-play biosimilar developer... With the Eylea® biosimilar FYB203/Ahzantive® and our already approved Lucentis® biosimilar FYB201, we have achieved an outstanding position in ophthalmic biosimilar therapies. We are thus improving healthcare for patients with retinal diseases by offering effective, safe and, above all, affordable treatment options."
Market Impact and Availability
Eylea, the reference drug, recorded global sales of approximately $9 billion in 2023, underscoring its importance in the anti-VEGF therapy market. The introduction of Ahzantive as a biosimilar is expected to increase competition and reduce costs, thereby improving access to treatment for a broader patient population.
Regulatory Outlook
In addition to the FDA approval, a marketing authorization application for FYB203 has been submitted to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). A decision from the EMA is anticipated by early 2025.
