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Roche Pharma announced its entry into the ophthalmology sector in India with the introduction of a new bispecific monoclonal antibody (mAB) named Vabysmo (faricimab), designed to address vision loss.
According to the company’s statement, Vabysmo has the potential to treat neovascular or “wet” age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), which are among the leading causes of vision impairment globally.
The bispecific mAB, described as the world’s first, functions by neutralizing two crucial proteins: angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). These proteins are implicated in the onset and progression of retinal conditions, destabilizing blood vessels in the eye and leading to inflammation and vision loss. Vabysmo aims to block both pathways involving Ang-2 and VEGF-A, thereby stabilizing blood vessels.
V Simpson Emmanuel, CEO and Managing Director of Roche Pharma India, emphasized the importance of addressing retinal conditions to prevent vision loss. He stated, “While there is strong awareness and action for cataract and other frontal eye-disorders, retinal conditions are often diagnosed late or neglected, leading to vision loss.”
Emmanuel further highlighted Roche Pharma’s commitment to introducing innovative solutions in India’s healthcare landscape. He emphasized that Vabysmo’s launch in India marks the company’s foray into the ophthalmology space, demonstrating their dedication to bringing best-in-class innovations to the country.
One significant advantage of Vabysmo is its dosing schedule. Unlike currently available treatment options for nAMD and DME, which require frequent eye injections (typically every one to two months), Vabysmo offers a less burdensome regimen. Patients may require eye injections at intervals of up to once every four months.
Vabysmo received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2022 and is currently accessible in over 90 countries. With its introduction in India, Roche Pharma aims to provide a more convenient and effective treatment option for patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems, thereby contributing to the preservation of sight and the improvement of patients’ quality of life.
