- Enzeevu (aflibercept-abzv) approved to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration
- Further enhances leading US ophthalmology portfolio and increases access for patients
- Expected to be key biosimilar growth driver in US
Basel, August 12, 2024 – Sandoz announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Enzeevu (aflibercept-abzv) 2 mg vial kit and pre-filled syringe for intravitreal injection.
Enzeevu is indicated to improve and maintain visual acuity in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).[1]
In addition, the FDA provisionally determined Enzeevu would be interchangeable with the reference medicine as it is currently subject to an unexpired exclusivity for the first interchangeable biosimilar products.
Claire D’Abreu-Hayling, chief scientific officer, Sandoz, said: “nAMD, or wet AMD, continues to be a leading cause of vision impairment in patients over 50 years in North America. This condition affects millions of people, leading to significant challenges in their daily lives due to the progressive loss of central vision. The U.S. approval of Enzeevu is a key milestone in Sandoz efforts to significantly improve the lives of patients impacted by this incurable disease.”
Enzeevu is a key biosimilar value driver for the company and this approval is a major step in advancing the Sandoz growth strategy by further extending its leading US ophthalmology portfolio. Launch timing will be dependent on several factors, including the progress and outcome of pending or potential future related litigations or any potential settlements.
nAMD, also known as wet AMD, is a subtype of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a leading cause of vision impairment in patients over 50 years in North America.[2]
Jeff Todd, JD, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness, said: “As sight disappears, so may a person’s connection to the world. We welcome all treatment options that help maintain vision and meet the unique needs of the individual so those living with wet AMD can potentially maintain their independence longer. At this time, there is no cure for this disease and long-term treatment can be costly. Having more FDA-approved options, including biosimilars, can help make healthcare more person-centered and affordable.”
The FDA granted approval based on the totality of evidence, including comprehensive analytical and preclinical in vitro study data, as well as clinical data from the Mylight study.[3]
This approval follows the acquisition of the Cimerli (ranibizumab-eqrn) business by Sandoz in the U.S. earlier in 2024. The acquisition, which included field force employees, strengthened the company’s leading ophthalmology portfolio in the US and created a robust platform to support the anticipated launch of Enzeevu.
About Enzeevu (aflibercept-abzv)
The active ingredient in Enzeevu is aflibercept. Aflibercept is a recombinant fusion protein that binds to vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and placental growth factor (PlGF), inhibiting abnormal vessel growth.
In patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), aflibercept is injected into the eye to improve visual acuity and inhibit disease progression.
About Mylight study
The Mylight study (NCT04864834) was an international, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, 2-arm parallel study in 485 patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), with a total duration of 52 weeks.[3] The Mylight study confirmed equivalent efficacy, as well as comparable safety and immunogenicity for Sandoz biosimilar aflibercept and reference medicine Eylea®* (aflibercept) as per Eylea* approved treatment regimen in patients with nAMD.[3]
*Eylea is a registered trademark of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
INDICATIONS
Enzeevu™ is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Ocular or periocular infection
Active intraocular inflammation
Hypersensitivity
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Endophthalmitis, retinal detachments, and retinal vasculitis with or without occlusion may occur following intravitreal injections. Patients and/or caregivers should be instructed to report any signs and/or symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, or retinal vasculitis without delay and should be managed appropriately.
Increases in intraocular pressure have been seen within 60 minutes of an intravitreal injection.
There is a potential risk of arterial thromboembolic events following intravitreal use of VEGF inhibitors.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) reported in patients receiving aflibercept were conjunctival hemorrhage, eye pain, cataract, vitreous detachment, vitreous floaters, and intraocular pressure increased.
This is not the complete list of all the safety information for Enzeevu. Please see full Prescription Info for Enzeevu.
References
Enzeevu. Prescribing Information. Available at:
https://prod.cms.us.sandoz.com/sites/spare37_sandoz_com/files/Media%20Documents/ENZEEVU_PI_2024_2.pdf [Last accessed: August 2024]American Academy of Ophthalmology. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Available at:
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/amd-macular-degeneration [Last accessed: August 2024]Arnaldo B, et al. Efficacy and safety of the proposed biosimilar aflibercept, SDZ-AFL, in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration: 52-week results from the Phase 3 Mylight study. Retina. 2024.