Bayer HealthCare receives EU approval for wet AMD therapy

Bayer HealthCare has announced that its new Eylea therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been approved by the European Commission.

The drug, which was known as VEGF Trap-Eye during its development, has been ratified for use as an injection-based therapy administered every other month following three initial monthly doses.

Phase III trials have demonstrated its efficacy in treating the condition, which is also known as wet AMD, while further studies have shown its benefits against macular oedema following central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

Bayer plans to submit the drug for EU regulatory review in this second indication before the end of the year, having already received US approval for this specification.

Dr Kemal Malik, member of the Bayer HealthCare executive committee and head of global development, said: "The approval of Eylea in Europe is great news for the increasing number of patients suffering from wet AMD, a sight-threatening eye condition."

This comes after the company's multipurpose anticoagulant Xarelto was approved in Europe for the prevention of recurrent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism earlier this month.