EYLEA
Eylea (aflibercept) is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of several serious retinal conditions. It is used in adult patients to treat neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, diabetic macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy. The medication is also approved for the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity in pediatric patients.
How EYLEA Works
Aflibercept functions as a soluble decoy receptor that binds to vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and placental growth factor (PlGF). By capturing these growth factors, the drug prevents them from binding to and activating VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 receptors on the surface of endothelial cells. This inhibition blocks the biological processes that lead to neovascularization and increased vascular permeability.
Details
- Status
- Prescription
- First Approved
- 2011-11-18
- Routes
- INJECTION
- Dosage Forms
- INJECTABLE
EYLEA Approval History
What EYLEA Treats
5 indicationsEYLEA is approved for 5 conditions since its original approval in 2011. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.
- Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
- Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)
- Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
EYLEA Target & Pathway
ProTarget
Receptors on blood vessel cells that respond to VEGF signals to form new blood vessels. Cancer cells exploit this pathway to ensure blood supply for tumor growth. Blocking VEGFRs prevents tumor angiogenesis and limits cancer progression.
Pathway Context
VEGFR on blood vessels is activated by VEGF to promote angiogenesis
A signaling protein that stimulates the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Tumors need blood supply to grow, so they secrete VEGF to create new vessels. Blocking VEGF starves tumors of oxygen and nutrients, inhibiting their growth.
EYLEA Biosimilars
6 FDA-approved1 can be substituted at the pharmacy without calling the prescriber. The other 5 require prescriber approval to switch.
What are biosimilars? Lower-cost alternatives to EYLEA with no clinically meaningful differences.
Auto-substitute OK = FDA "interchangeable" designation — pharmacist can switch without calling the doctor.
EYLEA Competitors
Pro2 other drugs also target VEGFR. Compare mechanisms, indications, and trial activity.
Competitors share the same molecular target (VEGFR). Earlier expiry dates signal biosimilar/generic opportunities.
Drugs Similar to EYLEA
FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.
Active Pipeline
Ongoing clinical trials by development phase
Key Completed Trials
Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance
Trial Timeline
Full development history with FDA approval milestones
Understanding FDA Approval Types
| Count | Type | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| - | ORIG | Original approval - drug first enters market |
| - | SUPPL - Efficacy | New indication (new disease/condition approved) |
| - | SUPPL - Labeling | Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates) |
| - | SUPPL - Manufacturing | Production changes (new facility) |
| - | SUPPL - Chemistry | Formulation changes (new dosage strength) |
Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.
EYLEA FDA Label Details
ProIndications & Usage
FDA Label (PDF)EYLEA is indicated for the treatment of: EYLEA is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with: Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) 1.1 Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) 1.2 Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) 1.3 Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) 1.4 Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) 1.5 Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
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Data Sources
Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.