Zydus launches biosimilar for chronic retinal diseases

Zydus Lifesciences has launched Anyra, a biosimilar of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals’ Aflibercept 2 mg that is indicated for certain eye diseases.

Anyra is India’s first indigenously developed biosimilar of Aflibercept 2 mg, Zydus said on Thursday, announcing it has also signed an agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Bayer.

Anyra is indicated for treatment of neovascular (wet) Age-related Macular Degeneration, visual impairment due to macular edema secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion, visual impairment due to Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) and a few other conditions. Collectively, the conditions represent a large patient pool requiring timely anti-VEGF therapy to prevent irreversible vision loss. As chronic retinal diseases require repeated intravitreal injections over extended periods, affordability and continuity of treatment are of concern, the company said.

“Anyra is a transformative step for affordable retinal care in India. By delivering a high-quality, indigenously developed Aflibercept 2 mg, we are expanding patient access to critical therapies with advanced biologics,” Zydus Lifesciences managing director Sharvil P. Patel said.