Preparing for the next decade of anti-VEGF biosimilars for retinal diseases: a focus on South Asia

Introduction: South Asian countries such as India, South Korea, and Japan have played a key role in spearheading the research and development of biosimilars of the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) ranibizumab for retinal diseases. It is important to understand how this region is preparing for the next decade in the field of anti-VEGF biosimilars for retinal diseases. Areas covered: We discuss the existing anti-VEGF ranibizumab biosimilars along with the biosimilars that might receive approval in the coming decade. Furthermore, we discuss the development status of aflibercept biosimilars that might receive approval as soon as the aflibercept patent expires. Expert opinion: The South Asian region seems to be well prepared, with multiple ranibizumab and aflibercept biosimilars in the pipeline. However, it has to be seen whether these therapies will have widespread global clearance or will simply obtain approval from the Asian regional authorities.