Ranibizumab Biosimilars for Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration, Macular Oedema with Retinal Vein Occlusion and Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization

Abstract

Multiple disorders, such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema and myopic choroidal neovascularization require anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatments to preserve and improve vision. In the last few decades, a multitude of options has arisen allowing for the best possible results. While the success of these drugs has been indisputable, the expiration or pending expiration of their patents creates an avenue for biosimilar medications to enter the market. These biosimilars can be produced at a discount compared with the original medications, with the possibility of a lower economic burden. However, they do not undergo as rigorous an approval process as innovator medications, leaving concerns about the heterogeneity of their clinical profile or side effects. This review will focus on the available biosimilar treatments, as well as the clinical trials evaluating them.