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Yanagi Y, Takahashi K, Iida T, Gomi F, Onishi H, Morii J, Sakamoto T. Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Ranibizumab Biosimilar for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and its Subtypes from the Societal and Patient Perspectives in Japan. Ophthalmol Ther 2024:10.1007/s40123-024-01011-z. [PMID: 39126559 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-024-01011-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies for subtypes of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) from the societal perspective, and for any nAMD from the patient perspective in Japan. METHODS A Markov model was developed to simulate the lifetime transitions of a cohort of patients with nAMD through various health states based on the involvement of nAMD, the treatment status, and decimal best-corrected visual acuity. Ranibizumab biosimilar was compared with aflibercept from the societal perspective regardless of treatment regimen for the analysis of three subtypes (typical nAMD, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), and retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP)). Two analyses from the patient perspective focusing on the treat-and-extend regimens were performed, one with a cap on patients' copayments and one without. Ranibizumab biosimilar was compared with branded ranibizumab, aflibercept, aflibercept as the loading dose switching to ranibizumab biosimilar during maintenance (aflibercept switching to ranibizumab biosimilar), and best supportive care (BSC), for patients with any nAMD. RESULTS In the subtype analyses, ranibizumab biosimilar when compared with aflibercept resulted in incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of - 0.015, 0.026, and 0.009, and the incremental costs of Japanese yen (JPY) - 50,447, JPY - 997,243, and JPY - 1,286,570 for typical nAMD, PCV, and RAP, respectively. From the patient perspective, ranibizumab biosimilar had incremental QALYs of 0.015, 0.009, and 0.307, compared with aflibercept, aflibercept switching to ranibizumab biosimilar, and BSC, respectively. The incremental costs for ranibizumab biosimilar over a patient lifetime excluding the cap on copayment were estimated to be JPY - 138,948, JPY - 391,935, JPY - 209,099, and JPY - 6,377,345, compared with branded ranibizumab, aflibercept, aflibercept switching to ranibizumab biosimilar, and BSC, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Ranibizumab biosimilar was demonstrated as a cost-saving option compared to aflibercept across all subtypes of nAMD, irrespective of the perspectives considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuo Yanagi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Micro-technology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Kanji Takahashi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Iida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumi Gomi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | | | | | - Taiji Sakamoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
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Bressler NM, Kaiser PK, Do DV, Nguyen QD, Park KH, Woo SJ, Sagong M, Bradvica M, Kim MY, Kim S, Sadda SR. Biosimilars of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for ophthalmic diseases: A review. Surv Ophthalmol 2024; 69:521-538. [PMID: 38521423 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The development of intravitreally injected biologic medicines (biologics) acting against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) substantially improved the clinical outcomes of patients with common VEGF-driven retinal diseases. The relatively high cost of branded agents, however, represents a financial burden for most healthcare systems and patients, likely resulting in impaired access to treatment and poorer clinical outcomes for some patients. Biosimilar medicines (biosimilars) are clinically equivalent, potentially economic alternatives to reference products. Biosimilars approved by leading health authorities have been demonstrated to be similar to the reference product in a comprehensive comparability exercise, generating the totality of evidence necessary to support analytical, pre-clinical, and clinical biosimilarity. Anti-VEGF biosimilars have been entering the field of ophthalmology in the US since 2022. We review regulatory and scientific concepts of biosimilars, the biosimilar development landscape in ophthalmology, with a specific focus on anti-VEGF biosimilars, and discuss opportunities and challenges facing the uptake of biosimilars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil M Bressler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter K Kaiser
- Cole Eye Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk i3, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Diana V Do
- Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Quan Dong Nguyen
- Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Kyu Hyung Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, the Republic of Korea
| | - Se Joon Woo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, the Republic of Korea
| | - Min Sagong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Yeungnam Eye Center, Yeungnam University Hospital, Daegu, the Republic of Korea
| | - Mario Bradvica
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osijek University Hospital Centre, Osijek, Croatia
| | | | | | - SriniVas R Sadda
- Doheny Eye Institute, Pasadena, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Sunaga T, Maeda M, Saulle R, Ng SM, Sato MT, Hasegawa T, Mason AN, Noma H, Ota E. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor biosimilars for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024; 6:CD015804. [PMID: 38829176 PMCID: PMC11146280 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd015804.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and is a leading cause of vision loss and disability worldwide. Although intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy is an effective treatment option that helps to prevent vision loss or to improve visual acuity in people with neovascular AMD, treatment imposes a significant financial burden on patients and healthcare systems. A biosimilar is a biological product that has been developed to be nearly identical to a previously approved biological product. The use of biosimilars may help reduce costs and so may increase patient access to effective biologic medicines with similar levels of safety to the drugs on which they are based. OBJECTIVES To assess the benefits and harms of anti-VEGF biosimilar agents compared with their corresponding anti-VEGF agents (i.e. the reference products) that have obtained regulatory approval for intravitreal injections in people with neovascular AMD. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, two other databases, and two trials registries together with reference checking and contact with study authors to identify studies that are included in the review. The latest search date was 2 June 2023. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared approved anti-VEGF biosimilars with their reference products for treating the eyes of adult participants (≥ 50 years) who had an active primary or recurrent choroidal neovascularization lesion secondary to neovascular AMD. OUTCOMES Our outcomes were: best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CST), vision-related quality of life, serious ocular and non-ocular adverse events (AE), treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), anti-drug antibodies (ADAs), and serum concentrations of biosimilars and reference drugs. RISK OF BIAS We assessed the risk of bias (RoB) for seven outcomes reported in a summary of findings table by using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. SYNTHESIS METHODS We synthesized results for each outcome using meta-analysis, where possible, by calculating risk ratios (RR) and mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes and continuous outcomes, respectively. Where this was not possible due to the nature of the data, we summarized the results narratively. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence for prespecified outcomes. INCLUDED STUDIES We included nine parallel-group multi-center RCTs that enrolled a total of 3814 participants (3814 participating eyes), with sample sizes that ranged from 160 to 705 participants per study. The mean age of the participants in these studies ranged from 67 to 76 years, and the proportion of women ranged from 26.5% to 58.7%. Ranibizumab (Lucentis) was the reference product in seven studies, and aflibercept (Eyelea) was the reference product in two others. All the included studies had been supported by industry. The follow-up periods ranged from 12 to 52 weeks (median 48 weeks). Five studies (56%) were conducted in multi-country settings across Europe, North America and Asia, two studies in India, and one each in Japan and the Republic of Korea. We judged all the included studies to have met high methodological standards. SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS With regard to efficacy, our meta-analyses demonstrated that anti-VEGF biosimilars for neovascular AMD resulted in little to no difference compared with the reference products for BCVA change at 8 to 12 weeks (MD -0.55 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters, 95% CI -1.17 to 0.07; 8 studies, 3603 participants; high-certainty evidence) and the proportion of participants who lost fewer than 15 letters in BCVA at 24 to 48 weeks (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.01; 7 studies, 2658 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Almost all participants (96.6% in the biosimilar group and 97.0% in the reference product group) lost fewer than 15 letters in BCVA. The evidence from two studies suggested that there was no evidence of difference between biosimilars and reference products in vision-related quality of life measured by the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) summary scores at 24 to 48 weeks (MD 0.82, 95% CI -0.70 to 2.35; 2 studies, 894 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). With regard to the safety profile, meta-analyses also revealed little to no difference between anti-VEGF biosimilars and the reference products for the proportion of participants who experienced serious ocular AEs (RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.68 to 2.26; 7 studies, 3292 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and for TEAEs leading to investigational product discontinuation or death (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.46; 8 studies, 3497 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Overall, 1.4% of participants in the biosimilar group and 1.2% in the reference product group experienced serious ocular adverse events. The most frequently documented serious ocular AEs were retinal hemorrhage and endophthalmitis. Although the evidence is of low certainty due to imprecision, meta-analysis suggested that anti-VEGF biosimilars led to no difference compared with the reference products for cumulative incidence of ADAs (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.22; 8 studies, 3066 participants; low-certainty evidence) or mean maximum serum concentrations (MD 0.42 ng/mL, 95% CI -0.22 to 1.05; subgroup of 3 studies, 100 participants; low-certainty evidence). We judged the overall risk of bias to be low for all studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In our review, low to high certainty evidence suggests that there is little to no difference, to date, between the anti-VEGF biosimilars approved for treating neovascular AMD and their reference products in terms of benefits and harms. While anti-VEGF biosimilars may be a viable alternative to reference products, current evidence for their use is based on a limited number of studies - particularly for comparison with aflibercept - with sparse long-term safety data, and infrequent assessment of quality of life outcomes. Our effect estimates and conclusions may be modified once findings have been reported from studies that are currently ongoing, and studies of biosimilar agents that are currently in development. FUNDING Cochrane Eyes and Vision US Project is supported by grant UG1EY020522, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health. Takeshi Hasegawa and Hisashi Noma were supported by Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (Grant numbers: 22H03554, 19K03092, 24K06239). REGISTRATION Protocol available via doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD015804.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomiko Sunaga
- Department of Hospital Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Maeda
- Division of Infection Control Sciences, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rosella Saulle
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Sueko M Ng
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Miki Takenaka Sato
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Showa University , Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Hasegawa
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology (iCE), Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Hygiene, Public Health, and Preventive Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Showa University Research Administration Center (SURAC), Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Andrew N Mason
- Department of General Education, School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisashi Noma
- Department of Data Science, The Institute of Statistical Mathematics, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Erika Ota
- Global Health Nursing, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan
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Nam KT, Yun C, Lee YJ, Choi M, Kang D, Oh J. Visual Outcome and Fluid Changes Between Eyes With Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Receiving Biosimilar CKD-701 or Reference Ranibizumab Therapy: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial. Curr Eye Res 2024; 49:663-670. [PMID: 38450631 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2024.2323506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the visual outcome and fluid features of a proposed biosimilar, CKD-701, versus the reference ranibizumab in eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). METHODS This was a post hoc analysis of a phase 3 randomized clinical trial assessing the efficacy and safety of CKD-701 and ranibizumab. A total of 73 PCV eyes were assigned randomly to either CKD-701 (36 eyes) or ranibizumab (37 eyes). The mean changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), pigment epithelial detachment (PED) volume, and fluid features were compared. RESULTS After three loading injections, the mean change in BCVA (letters) was +7.50 in the CKD-701 group and +6.32 in the ranibizumab group (p = .447). The changes in CRT and PED volume of the CKD-701 group (-107.25 ± 102.66 μm and -0.22 ± 0.46 mm3) were similar to those of the ranibizumab group (-96.78 ± 105.00 μm and -0.23 ± 0.54 mm3) (p = .668 and p = .943, respectively). Proportions of eyes with subretinal, intraretinal and sub-retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) fluids after three loading injections were not different between CKD-701 group (33.3%, 13.9% and 42.9%) and ranibizumab group (51.4%, 16.2% and 40.0%) (p = .071, p = 1.000 and p = .808). The visual and anatomical changes were similar between two groups at month 6 and 12 (all, p > .05). CONCLUSION Biosimilar CKD-701 monotherapy resulted in comparable visual and anatomical changes to those achieved with reference ranibizumab in PCV eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Tae Nam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Cheolmin Yun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Joo Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mihyun Choi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Jaeryung Oh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Kim HM, Woo SJ. Immunogenicity and Potential for Intraocular Inflammation of Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Drugs. CURRENT THERAPEUTIC RESEARCH 2024; 100:100742. [PMID: 38617894 PMCID: PMC11015331 DOI: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2024.100742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Concerns of intraocular inflammation associated with intravitreal administration of anti-VEGF drugs have been risen and the exact mechanism is not yet elucidated. Objective To explore the relationship between immunogenicity and intraocular inflammation in intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs. Methods This review examines the immunogenicity of individual intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs and their potential link to intraocular inflammation. Results We suggest that the main cause of intraocular inflammation is the presence of pre-existing and treatment-induced antidrug antibodies, along with considerations related to the molecular structure, which includes the drug's format and size. Conclusions Researchers and clinicians involved in the advancement of new anti-VEGF drugs should take into consideration the factors related to intraocular inflammation that have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeong Min Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Joon Woo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
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Chatzimichail E, Pfau K, Gatzioufas Z, Panos GD. Ranibizumab Biosimilars in Treating Retinal Disorders: A Cost-Effective Revolution? Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:365-374. [PMID: 38347957 PMCID: PMC10860804 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s457303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Ranibizumab, is a humanized, monoclonal antibody fragment that binds and inactivates vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and VEGF-B. One of the main indications for an intravitreal treatment with ranibizumab is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a retinal disease with a high worldwide socioeconomic impact. Biosimilars constitute biological products that demonstrate similar pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics with a reference product, as well as comparable clinical efficacy, safety and immunogenicity. Since the approval of the first biosimilar Razumab, there has been a variety of new biosimilars available on the market. They offer the advantage of the same good clinical and safety results at a better price. All Ranibizumab biosimilars that have gained approval were tested in double masked Phase 3 clinical studies. The use of Ranibizumab biosimilars in neovascular AMD is well reported in the bibliography. Nevertheless, over the last few years, there is a tendency of using biosimilars in other retinal diseases like retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), diabetic macular edema (DME) or polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). In conclusion, ranibizumab biosimilars offer a promising avenue for the management of retinal diseases, especially in countries with lower socioeconomic status, where there is lack of availability of innovator ranibizumab. However, further research is required to fully explore their efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes in a plethora of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristina Pfau
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Zisis Gatzioufas
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Georgios D Panos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK
- Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Lee K, Lee S, Jung S, Chin HS. Analysis of ocular fluid in patients with ranibizumab-recalcitrant neovascular age-related macular degeneration who have serum anti-ranibizumab antibodies. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2023; 261:3581-3587. [PMID: 37318582 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06146-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate whether anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) are present in the ocular fluid of patients with ranibizumab-recalcitrant neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). METHODS Two serum ADA-positive ranibizumab-recalcitrant patients and two serum ADA-negative controls were recruited from patients with nAMD treated with ranibizumab monotherapy. Recalcitrance was defined as persistent fluid after ≥6 monthly ranibizumab injections. Serum and aqueous humor ADAs were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoprecipitation, respectively. RESULTS Two of 156 ranibizumab-treated patients were ADA-positive. The patients received six and 14 ranibizumab injections, respectively, up to 4 weeks prior to blood collection. The serum ADA concentration was estimated to be approximately 50,000 ng/mL. Neutralizing ADAs were confirmed in both samples. A specific band was detected by immunoprecipitation only in ADA-positive samples, consistent with the results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Based on an assessment of the degree of sensitivity of commercially available anti-ranibizumab antibodies, it was estimated that the immunoprecipitation method could detect ADA levels >30 ng. Nevertheless, ADAs were not detected in the aqueous humor of either the experimental or control group. CONCLUSION In the aqueous humor, ADAs are either not present or are present at a lower concentration than that which can be detected by immunoprecipitation. This presumably reflects the fact that blood ADA is the product of systemic circulation clearance through anterior elimination of intravitreal ranibizumab. Based on our results, ADAs do not return to the eye in sufficient quantities to interfere with the action of ranibizumab in the vitreous cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanghoon Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inha University School of Medicine, 27 Inhang-ro, Jung-gu, 22332, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoung Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inha University School of Medicine, 27 Inhang-ro, Jung-gu, 22332, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyeon Jung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inha University School of Medicine, 27 Inhang-ro, Jung-gu, 22332, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Seung Chin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inha University School of Medicine, 27 Inhang-ro, Jung-gu, 22332, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
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Moon BH, Kim Y, Kim SY. Twenty Years of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapeutics in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13004. [PMID: 37629185 PMCID: PMC10454953 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241613004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is the primary disastrous retinal disease that leads to blindness in the elderly population. In the early 2000s, nAMD resulted in irreversible vision loss and blindness with no available treatment options. However, there have been breakthrough advances in the drug development of anti-angiogenic biological agents over the last two decades. The primary target molecule for treating nAMD is the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and there are currently several anti-VEGF drugs such as bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept, which have made nAMD more manageable than before, thus preventing vision loss. Nevertheless, it should be noted that these anti-VEGF drugs for nAMD treatment are not effective in more than half of the patients, and even those who initially gain visual improvements lose their vision over time, along with potential deterioration in the geography of atrophy. As a result, there have been continuous endeavors to improve anti-VEGF agents through better efficacy, fewer doses, expanded intervals, and additional targets. This review describes past and current anti-VEGF therapeutics used to treat nAMD and outlines future directions to improve the effectiveness and safety of anti-VEGF agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Hyun Moon
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
| | - Younghwa Kim
- Department of Paramedicine, Kyungil University, Gyeongsan-si 38428, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Young Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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Sharma A, Kumar N, Parachuri N, Loewenstein A, Bandello F, Kuppermann BD. Preparing for the next decade of anti-VEGF biosimilars for retinal diseases: a focus on South Asia. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2023; 23:689-692. [PMID: 37470687 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2023.2239706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION South Asian countries such as India, South Korea, and Japan have played a key role in spearheading the research and development of biosimilars of the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) ranibizumab for retinal diseases. It is important to understand how this region is preparing for the next decade in the field of anti-VEGF biosimilars for retinal diseases. AREAS COVERED We discuss the existing anti-VEGF ranibizumab biosimilars along with the biosimilars that might receive approval in the coming decade. Furthermore, we discuss the development status of aflibercept biosimilars that might receive approval as soon as the aflibercept patent expires. EXPERT OPINION The South Asian region seems to be well prepared, with multiple ranibizumab and aflibercept biosimilars in the pipeline. However, it has to be seen whether these therapies will have widespread global clearance or will simply obtain approval from the Asian regional authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Sharma
- Lotus Eye Hospital and Institute, Coimbatore, TN, India
| | | | - Nikulaa Parachuri
- Department of Vitreoretina, Sankara Eye Hospital, Coimbatore, TN, India
| | - Anat Loewenstein
- Division of Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv Medical, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Francesco Bandello
- Scientific Institute San Raffaele, University Vita-Salute, Milano, Italy
| | - Baruch D Kuppermann
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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Nhàn NTT, Maidana DE, Yamada KH. Ocular Delivery of Therapeutic Agents by Cell-Penetrating Peptides. Cells 2023; 12:1071. [PMID: 37048144 PMCID: PMC10093283 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are short peptides with the ability to translocate through the cell membrane to facilitate their cellular uptake. CPPs can be used as drug-delivery systems for molecules that are difficult to uptake. Ocular drug delivery is challenging due to the structural and physiological complexity of the eye. CPPs may be tailored to overcome this challenge, facilitating cellular uptake and delivery to the targeted area. Retinal diseases occur at the posterior pole of the eye; thus, intravitreal injections are needed to deliver drugs at an effective concentration in situ. However, frequent injections have risks of causing vision-threatening complications. Recent investigations have focused on developing long-acting drugs and drug delivery systems to reduce the frequency of injections. In fact, conjugation with CPP could deliver FDA-approved drugs to the back of the eye, as seen by topical application in animal models. This review summarizes recent advances in CPPs, protein/peptide-based drugs for eye diseases, and the use of CPPs for drug delivery based on systematic searches in PubMed and clinical trials. We highlight targeted therapies and explore the potential of CPPs and peptide-based drugs for eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhàn
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Daniel E. Maidana
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Kaori H. Yamada
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
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