Hear + Now: Biosimilars for the Treatment of Wet AMD
Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the 2 kinds of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It occurs when blood vessels leak fluid or blood into the macula, affecting central vision.1
Treatment of wet AMD is focused on slowing disease progression and can include injectable medications. There are also drugs called biosimilars that may help some people with wet AMD.1,2
In this audio digest, MacularDegeneration.net explores what biosimilars are, how they work, and how some people with macular degeneration may benefit from treatment with a biosimilar. You can find a transcript of this audio digest below.
This audio digest was generated with the assistance of an AI tool and has been reviewed by our Editorial Team. This information is provided for general knowledge and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Transcript
Today we're talking about biosimilars, a treatment option that can offer significant cost savings for some people living with macular degeneration. If you're dealing with this eye condition, understanding biosimilars could be important for your treatment decisions.
So what exactly are biosimilars? Think of them as a “copycat” of biologic drugs, which are often used to treat macular degeneration. Like biologics, biosimilars are made from living cells and can block the growth of leaky blood vessels in the eye — a key issue in macular degeneration. But biosimilars are often a fraction of the price.
Every biosimilar must go through rigorous clinical trials and FDA approval. They must meet the same high standards for safety and effectiveness as the original biologics to be approved.
One of the most compelling aspects is cost. These medications can cost a fraction of the price of original biologics. For patients with macular degeneration, this difference can be substantial over time.
However, there's an important caveat: not all FDA-approved biosimilars are available in the United States yet. Approval and market availability don't always align perfectly.
What you'll pay out-of-pocket depends largely on your insurance coverage. Each plan handles biosimilars differently, so your cost benefit may vary.
If you're considering biosimilars, have an open conversation with your eye doctor. They can walk you through the pros and cons for your specific situation and help you decide if a biosimilar might be right for you.
When discussing biosimilars with your provider, ask specific questions about your treatment plan. Find out if biosimilar options are available for your type of macular degeneration.
Remember, the goal is always to preserve your vision while managing costs effectively. Biosimilars represent an important development in making advanced eye treatments more accessible.
The information discussed in this audio digest was originally published in the following article:
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