Bayer shares advanced on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange after receiving a key endorsement from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for its eye drug Eylea. The EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) issued a positive opinion supporting the use of an 8 mg dose with extended treatment intervals of up to six months.
This update applies to two serious retinal conditions: neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. If the European Commission confirms the recommendation in the coming weeks, Eylea 8 mg would become the only anti-VEGF therapy in the EU offering such long intervals between injections for both diseases. A potential competitive advantage over Roche’s Vabysmo, which currently dominates part of the market. The ability to reduce the frequency of injections and clinic visits could significantly improve patient convenience and adherence.
Christine Roth, Executive Vice President at Bayer Pharmaceuticals, highlighted that the extended dosing schedule, combined with Eylea 8 mg’s clinical profile, positions it as a potential new standard of care in retinal disease treatment.