Aflibercept is a biological drug used in the treatment of macular degeneration, which occurs with age and causes vision loss. Macular degeneration is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye. The treatment works by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which causes the growth of new blood vessels.

It has been sold in the US and Europe under the brand name Eylea and has a market size in Japan estimated at Yen 60 billion (US$552 million).

The agreement also involves Fuso Pharmaceuticals, who have developed an aflibercept-producing cell line, which is expected to reduce manufacturing costs with its high yield.

Kishi Kasei manufactures colouring used in foods, cosmetics and medicines but has also been developing drug substances for biologicals. Under the agreement they will build the manufacturing system for the aflibercept biosimilar.

Gene Techno Science are still looking for a partner to promote drug development, non-clinical and clinical studies, marketing approval and sales in order to commercialize the product in Japan.

The agreement follows the news that South Korean firm Samsung Bioepis has extended its agreement with Biogen for the commercialization of its own aflibercept biosimilar, currently named only as SB15 [1].

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Reference
1. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Samsung Bioepis expands biosimilars agreement with Biogen [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2020 Jan 10]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Pharma-News/Samsung-Bioepis-expands-biosimilars-agreement-with-Biogen

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