EC approval for Beovu, a next-generation anti-VEGF treatment for wet AMD

As has been widely expected following a positive advisory panel recommendation last December, the European Commission (EC) has now granted approval for Beovu (brolucizumab) injection for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Developed by Swiss pharma giant Novartis (NOVN: VX), Beovu is the first EC-approved anti-VEGF treatment to demonstrate superior resolution of retinal fluid (IRF/SRF), a key marker of disease activity, versus aflibercept (secondary endpoints).

Beovu also offers the ability to start eligible wet AMD patients on a three-month dosing interval immediately after the loading phase, noted Novartis. The EC decision is applicable to all 27 European Union member states as well as the UK, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.