Eylea Generic Name – What Is Eylea’s Generic Name?

Last Updated On: February 4, 2025

The pharmaceutical industry invests billions of dollars yearly in research and development (R&D) to advance treatment options for various medical conditions. The global pharmaceutical R&D market is expected to reach $259.8 billion by 2028. This significant investment has led to the development of life-changing therapies for numerous conditions, particularly in ophthalmology.

One such innovation is Eylea (aflibercept), a leading medication used to treat retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME).

In this article, we will discuss Eylea’s generic name, its mechanism of action, and what patients and healthcare providers need to know about this vital treatment option.

Key Takeaways

• Eylea’s generic name is Aflibercept. It is a drug that inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in managing retinal diseases.
• Aflibercept works by blocking VEGF-A and VEGF-B to prevent abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the retina, thus reducing swelling and risk of vision loss.
• Eylea has been shown to maintain or improve vision in many patients with retinal diseases, including wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO).
• Eylea typically requires fewer injections than other anti-VEGF treatments, reducing the treatment burden on patients.
• Eylea remains a branded medication due to ongoing patent protections, preventing the release of generic versions of aflibercept. 

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The Generic Name of Eylea

The generic name of Eylea is aflibercept. This active ingredient reduces abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the retina. Aflibercept belongs to a class of medications known as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors, which help slow down the progression of retinal diseases.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Bayer developed Eylea, which was approved by the FDA in 2011. Since then, it has become one of the most effective treatments for wet AMD, DME, and RVO.

How Aflibercept Works as a VEGF Inhibitor

Aflibercept is a recombinant fusion protein that acts as a VEGF inhibitor, effectively treating retinal diseases. It works by blocking VEGF-A and VEGF-B, proteins that promote abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina, which can lead to fluid leakage and vision impairment. Aflibercept helps reduce swelling, prevent fluid accumulation, and slow disease progression by inhibiting these proteins.

Regular Eylea injections play a crucial role in maintaining vision stability and, in many cases, can improve visual acuity. Clinical studies have demonstrated Eylea’s success rate, with patients experiencing long-term disease control and a reduced treatment burden compared to other anti-VEGF therapies.

Marketing of Eylea Under Its Brand Name

Although Eylea contains aflibercept as its active ingredient, it remains a branded medication due to patent protections and specific marketing strategies. Its patent protection prevents the release of generic versions of aflibercept. The high cost of research and development, along with the clinical trials and FDA approval process, justifies its branded pricing.

Additionally, Regeneron and Bayer continue to market Eylea, ensuring its availability as a trusted treatment. However, once Eylea’s patent expires, generic versions of aflibercept may become available, offering patients a more cost-effective alternative.

Importance of Aflibercept in Retinal Disease Treatment

Aflibercept is crucial in preventing vision loss and managing retinal diseases. It provides several benefits over other anti-VEGF treatments:

• Highly Effective: Clinical trials show that treatments like Eylea help maintain or improve vision in many patients.
• Longer Dosing Intervals: Compared to some anti-VEGF treatments, Eylea requires fewer injections, reducing patient burden.
• Well-tolerated: Side effects are generally mild, with a low risk of severe complications.
• Proven Success Rate: Real-world studies confirm Eylea’s high success rate, making it a preferred choice for retinal specialists.

For patients with wet AMD, DME, or RVO, aflibercept is a trusted and clinically proven option for preserving vision and improving quality of life.

Conclusion

Eylea remains a leading treatment for retinal diseases, with aflibercept as its active ingredient. Its high success rate and proven efficacy make it a trusted option for preventing vision loss and managing conditions like AMD and DME.

While generic aflibercept may become available in the future, Eylea continues to be a gold standard for retinal disease management. Patients should always consult a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment based on their individual needs and medical history.

FAQs

1. What is the generic name of Eylea?

The generic name of Eylea is aflibercept. It is a VEGF inhibitor that helps prevent abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina, reducing swelling and fluid leakage.

2. How does Eylea compare to other anti-VEGF treatments?

Eylea has a high success rate in treating retinal diseases and offers longer dosing intervals compared to some alternatives. 

3. Is there a generic version of Eylea available?

Due to patent protections, no generic versions of Aflibercept are available. However, generic options may emerge once Eylea’s patent expires.

4. How effective is Eylea in treating retinal diseases?

Eylea has a high success rate, and clinical studies have shown that it stabilizes or improves vision in many patients. Regular injections help maintain long-term vision health.

References

IQVIA Institute. (n.d.). The global use of medicines 2024: Outlook to 2028. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.iqvia.com/insights/the-iqvia-institute/reports-and-publications/reports/the-global-use-of-medicines-2024-outlook-to-2028

Ge P, Wan N, Han X, et al. Efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness analysis of aflibercept in metastatic colorectal cancer: A rapid health technology assessment. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2022;13. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.914683