Two anti-VEGF biosimilars were launched in 2022 with retina specialists having mixed feelings about using these copy-cat versions of tried and proven treatments. A study that involved eight ophthalmologists was carried out in November 2022 with the results released in December 2022.

The study found that the two haven't done a lot in order to raise awareness regarding biosimilars among retina specialists. Some are open to biosimilars in theory, but they are reserved with concerns about putting them in place. The study took note of the movement within the ophthalmology field and the retina specialists' attitude toward biosimilars. It was found that they all knew about them but were not comfortable using them with further clinical evidence required.

The majority of adults over the age of seventy-one had vision impairments with a higher prevalence in older age, lower income groups, lower education, and more. The FDA in the United States has approved a photodynamic laser for use with injection therapy for treating predominantly subfovealchoroidal neovascularisation, caused by age-related macular degeneration.

Ray Man, the PA to MahiMuqit, a leading retina specialist in London, United Kingdom, said “The Phase II trial of APX3330 in diabetic retinopathy has been an interesting one for Mr.Muqit, who is passionate about diabetic retinopathy and has volunteered throughout the world educating doctors and nurses on this diabetic eye condition. Unfortunately, this phase II trial did not have the primary endpoint of having an unspecified percentage of patients achieve further than two-step improvements at the twenty-fourth week. We are expecting further results this month.”

Biosimilar products need to go through the FDA for the products to go through extrapolation, which is when the clinical trial can be conducted and findings extrapolated, enabling the reference product to be approved. As retina specialists are learning about the process, they are uneasy with the biosimilar concepts. The biosimilars didn't have an impact on raising awareness around treatments, this was based on the ophthalmologists that were surveyed with eighty-four percent of these respondents being retina specialists.

With the launch of two biosimilars, there has been more awareness in the category by ophthalmologists, helping them better understand what they are and how they can assist their patients. The retina specialists are using a wait-and-see experience, as one of the drugs did increase the risk of ocular inflammation and vasculitis.

About Us:

MahiMuqit is a leading consultant ophthalmologist, cataract, and vitreoretinal surgeon at two private clinics in London, United Kingdom. He provides patients with superior service and support with a range of surgical procedures to meet their eyesight requirements. He has built up a solid reputation for his eye services in the London area as an expert eye doctor and surgeon offering surgical retina, medical retina, and complex cataract surgery. He also offers surgery to patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy. MahiMuqit is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, a member of the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons, and the UK and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. To find out more, visit https://www.retinasurgeon.uk.com/ .