Core Viewpoint - Bayer's launch of Aflibercept 8mg during the China International Import Expo aims to address the increasing burden of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and improve patient compliance and quality of life [1][2]. Group 1: Product Launch and Approval - Aflibercept 8mg was approved by the National Medical Products Administration in May 2023 for the treatment of nAMD [1]. - The product features a longer treatment interval, which is expected to enhance patient adherence to treatment [1]. Group 2: Disease Background and Treatment Gaps - nAMD is characterized by abnormal growth and leakage of new blood vessels in the macula, leading to irreversible vision loss in the elderly [1]. - Current treatment methods, primarily anti-VEGF injections, show significant gaps in disease control and require frequent administration, which affects long-term treatment adherence [1]. Group 3: Product Advantages - Aflibercept is a fully humanized fusion protein that offers broader inhibition of the VEGF family compared to monoclonal antibodies [2]. - The higher concentration of Aflibercept 8mg allows for a greater number of molecules to be injected at once, resulting in more effective and durable VEGF inhibition [2]. - The upgrade to Aflibercept 8mg provides stronger early efficacy and more durable disease control, offering clinicians and patients more flexible treatment options [2].

Core Insights - Bayer's Eylea® 8mg (Aflibercept 8mg) was launched during the China International Import Expo, approved for treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in May 2023, offering a more effective and longer-interval treatment option for patients [1][2] Group 1: Product Overview - Eylea® 8mg provides a treatment regimen starting with monthly injections for the first three months, which can then be extended to every four months based on clinical assessment [1] - The product aims to enhance treatment adherence and quality of life for nAMD patients, addressing unmet medical needs [1][2] Group 2: Clinical Validation - The clinical value of Eylea® 8mg was validated in the pivotal Phase III PULSAR study, showing comparable vision improvement with longer injection intervals compared to the 2mg dosage [2] - Eylea® 8mg demonstrated a faster and higher rate of fluid resolution during the loading phase, addressing the need for reduced injection frequency while maintaining vision benefits [2] Group 3: Market Context - nAMD is a progressive eye disease leading to irreversible vision loss, with the number of affected individuals in China projected to rise from 4.5 million in 2020 to 8.8 million by 2050 [1] - Without timely intervention, approximately 75.7% of nAMD patients may progress to legal blindness within three years, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatment solutions [1]

Core Insights - Bayer's Eylea® 8mg (Aflibercept 8mg) was launched during the China International Import Expo, approved for treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in May 2023, offering a more effective and longer treatment interval for patients [1][2] - The product aims to enhance patient compliance and quality of life by reducing the frequency of injections from monthly to potentially every four months based on clinical assessments [1][2] Group 1 - Eylea® 8mg provides a significant upgrade in dosage and formulation, demonstrating strong early efficacy and prolonged disease control, which alleviates the burden of frequent hospital visits for patients [1][2] - The prevalence of nAMD in China is projected to rise from 4.5 million in 2020 to 8.8 million by 2050, with a high risk of progression to legal blindness if not treated promptly [1] - Bayer emphasizes a patient-centered approach, continuously addressing unmet medical needs in the field of ophthalmology [1][2] Group 2 - Current clinical guidelines recommend anti-VEGF injections as the first-line treatment for nAMD, yet there are significant gaps in disease control and treatment adherence due to short drug efficacy and high injection frequency [2] - The clinical value of Eylea® 8mg has been validated in the pivotal Phase III PULSAR study, showing comparable vision improvement with fewer injections compared to the 2mg dosage [2] - Eylea® 8mg has already commenced patient injections in several provinces in China, with expectations for broader patient access to this innovative treatment [2]

Core Insights - Bayer's Eylea 8mg (Aflibercept 8mg) was launched during the 8th China International Import Expo, approved by the National Medical Products Administration for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) [1] Industry Overview - The burden of nAMD is increasing, with the number of patients in China expected to rise from 4.5 million in 2020 to 8.8 million by 2050 [1] - Without timely intervention, approximately 75.7% of patients may progress to legal blindness within three years, significantly impacting personal quality of life and placing economic pressure on society [1] Product Launch - Eylea 8mg has already completed the first batch of patient injections in multiple provinces and cities across China [1]

Core Viewpoint - The study indicates that the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, specifically semaglutide, is associated with more than double the risk of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in diabetic patients compared to those not using these medications [3][8]. Group 1: Study Overview - A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted to assess the risk of nAMD in elderly diabetic patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists [6]. - The study analyzed data from 139,002 diabetic adults aged 66 and older in Ontario, Canada, from 2020 to 2023, with 46,334 using GLP-1 receptor agonists for at least six months [6]. Group 2: Risk Assessment - The adjusted risk ratio for developing nAMD in patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists was found to be 2.21, indicating more than double the risk compared to non-users [7]. - The risk increased with the duration of use, with a risk ratio of 3.62 for those using the medication for 30 months or longer [7]. Group 3: Implications and Concerns - Concerns regarding retinal complications associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists have been growing, especially following findings from major cardiovascular trials (SUSTAIN 6 and PIONEER 6) where patients using semaglutide showed a higher incidence of diabetic retinopathy complications compared to those on placebo [7]. - The association between GLP-1 receptor agonist exposure and nAMD diagnosis persisted across different durations of use, aligning with previously reported complications affecting vision [7][8]. - There is a need for regular eye examinations for patients on long-term GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy due to potential delayed ocular damage [7].