Biosimilars for Macular Degeneration

Biosimilars are a type of drug that may be a good option for some people with macular degeneration. They may be able to replace the biologic drugs that are often used to treat macular degeneration.^1,2

Biosimilars are safe and effective. Like all drugs, they must be tested in clinical trials before they receive approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).¹

What is a biosimilar?

Biosimilars are a type of biologic therapy. They are named for the fact that they are very similar to already-approved biologic drugs (reference products). You can think of a biosimilar drug as a “copycat” of its biologic reference product. It is not exactly the same as the biologic. But it is similar enough to be approved for all the same uses as the biologic.^1,3

Like biologics, biosimilars are made from living cells. In people with macular degeneration, biologics are used to block the growth of leaky blood vessels in the eye. But biosimilars are often a fraction of the price. This makes them a cost-saving option for many people.^1,3

The difference between a biologic and biosimilar

Biologics and biosimilars are not identical. But to be approved by the FDA, biosimilars must be just as safe and effective as their reference product. Biosimilars must work the same way with the same strength and dosage as their reference product. Biosimilars must also have no significant differences in purity and potency.^1-3

If a biosimilar meets all of these requirements, it can be approved by the FDA.¹

The difference between a biosimilar and a generic

Biosimilars are not the same as generics. Generics have the same chemical structure as their reference drug. They are exact copies. Biosimilars are not exactly like their reference biologics.¹

Like generics, biosimilars are usually cheaper than the reference medicine. In many states, pharmacists can switch out a generic medicine for its reference drug without telling the prescribing doctor. But this is not yet allowed for biosimilars.¹

Biosimilars for macular degeneration

Here is a list of biosimilars used to treat macular degeneration.

Biosimilars to Susvimo®, Lucentis® (ranibizumab):^2,4

• Byooviz
• Cimerli

Biosimilars to Eylea® (aflibercept):⁵

• Yesafili
• Opuviz

Biosimilars to Avastin® (bevacizumab):^2,6,7

• MVASI
• Zirabev

Avastin is a drug typically used to treat cancer. It is also used to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD). But its use for AMD is considered off-label. This means the FDA has not approved it to treat AMD. But it has been shown to be very effective in treating eye conditions.^6,7

Other things to know

Not all approved biosimilars are available in the United States. While the FDA has approved many biosimilars, most are not yet available to consumers.^1,3

Biologics can be very expensive. A big benefit of biosimilars is that they cost a lot less than biologics. But it is not guaranteed that they will cost you less out of pocket. Any potential savings will depend on your insurance company’s policies.^1,3

If you have macular degeneration and are interested in taking a biosimilar, talk with your doctor. They will be able to discuss the pros and cons with you and address any questions or concerns.¹