EYLEA (aflibercept) Injection

EYLEA (aflibercept) is an injectable medication used primarily in ophthalmology to treat various retinal diseases. It is known for its efficacy in managing conditions that involve abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye.

How It Works

EYLEA is a recombinant fusion protein that inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and placental growth factor (PlGF). Both VEGF-A and PlGF are involved in the growth of abnormal blood vessels and leakage in the retina, contributing to vision problems.

Mechanism of Action:

1. VEGF and PlGF Inhibition: EYLEA binds to VEGF-A and PlGF, preventing them from interacting with their receptors on the surface of endothelial cells.
2. Reduction of Abnormal Blood Vessel Growth: By inhibiting these growth factors, EYLEA helps reduce the formation of abnormal blood vessels in the retina.
3. Decrease in Fluid Leakage: The drug also reduces fluid leakage from these vessels, which can alleviate symptoms associated with retinal diseases and improve vision.

Side Effects

While EYLEA is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects ranging from mild to serious.

Common Side Effects:

• Eye Pain: Discomfort or pain in the eye following the injection.
• Conjunctival Hemorrhage: Small bleeding in the white part of the eye.
• Increased Intraocular Pressure: Temporary rise in pressure inside the eye.

Serious Side Effects:

• Endophthalmitis: Severe infection inside the eye.
• Retinal Detachment: A serious condition where the retina separates from the back of the eye.
• Uveitis: Inflammation of the middle layer of the eye.

Indications

EYLEA is used to treat several retinal conditions, particularly those involving abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage.

Approved Indications:

1. Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): A condition where new, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, leading to vision loss.
2. Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): Swelling in the macula (the central part of the retina) caused by diabetes.
3. Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO): Blockage of the veins in the retina, which can cause bleeding and fluid leakage.
4. Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels of the retina due to diabetes, which can lead to vision problems.

Contraindications

Certain conditions may contraindicate the use of EYLEA due to potential risks or adverse effects.

Contraindications:

1. Hypersensitivity to Aflibercept: Known allergy or hypersensitivity to aflibercept or any component of the injection.
2. Active Infections: Active ocular or periocular infections, as the injection could exacerbate these conditions.
3. Intraocular Inflammation: Severe intraocular inflammation or any condition that might increase the risk of serious side effects.

Price in Different Countries

The price of EYLEA can vary significantly across countries due to differences in healthcare systems and pricing regulations. The following table provides approximate prices in various regions along with references for further details.

Country	Price (Per Dose)	Reference
United States	$1,850 – $2,000	GoodRx
United Kingdom	£1,400 – £1,600	NHS
Australia	AUD $2,200 – $2,400	PBS Australia
India	INR ₹1,25,000 – ₹1,40,000	Medlife
Canada	CAD $2,000 – $2,200	Canada Pharmacy

Top 5 Global Brands

Here are the leading brands in the market for similar treatments for retinal and other eye diseases:

1. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

• Manufacturer of EYLEA (aflibercept), a leading treatment for retinal diseases.

2. Roche

• Known for Lucentis (ranibizumab), used for similar indications as EYLEA.

3. Novartis

• Offers Beovu (brolucizumab), another treatment for wet AMD and other retinal conditions.

4. Allergan

• Produces Ozurdex (dexamethasone implant), used for various retinal conditions.

5. Genentech

• Known for Avastin (bevacizumab), an off-label option for retinal diseases similar to EYLEA.