- Breakthrough biosimilar ANYRA™ expands access to advanced biologic therapy for sight-threatening retinal diseases
- Agreement with Regeneron and Bayer strengthens innovation pipeline and global ophthalmology collaboration
- Launch addresses urgent need as millions face vision loss due to diabetes, AMD, retinal vein occlusion, and related conditions
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, FEB 20
Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., an innovation-driven global life sciences company, today announced the launch of ANYRA™, India’s first indigenously developed biosimilar of Aflibercept 2 mg, marking a major advancement in accessible ophthalmic care. The company has also signed an agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Bayer, further strengthening its strategic presence in advanced biologics and retinal therapies.
ANYRA™ is indicated for the treatment of several serious retinal disorders, including neovascular (wet) Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), visual impairment caused by macular edema following Retinal Vein Occlusion (Branch RVO or Central RVO), Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), and Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization (mCNV). With this launch, Zydus reinforces its commitment to advancing ophthalmic care and improving access to high-quality, affordable biologic therapies for patients across India.
India currently has more than 100 million people living with diabetes, making it one of the largest diabetic populations globally. Diabetic Retinopathy affects an estimated 7–8 million individuals, many of whom progress to vision-threatening stages such as DME. Additionally, Wet AMD affects around 1.5–2 million elderly patients, while Retinal Vein Occlusions impact over 2 million people. These conditions together represent a vast patient population requiring timely anti-VEGF therapy to prevent irreversible blindness.
Since chronic retinal diseases require repeated intravitreal injections over prolonged periods, affordability and continuity of treatment remain critical challenges. Improving access to cost-effective biosimilars such as ANYRA™ can enhance treatment adherence, prevent avoidable blindness, and significantly reduce the long-term disease burden.
Speaking on the launch, Dr. Sharvil P. Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., said:
“At Zydus, we are committed to making advanced biologics accessible to patients who need them most. ANYRA™ is a transformative step for affordable retinal care in India. By delivering a high-quality, indigenously developed Aflibercept 2 mg, we are expanding patient access to critical therapies with advanced biologics. Our focus remains on enabling patient-centric outcomes by leveraging science, health and innovation.”
Zydus has built India’s largest biosimilar portfolio, with more than 13 biosimilars and complex biologic molecules developed and manufactured entirely in India. The company has established comprehensive, end-to-end capabilities across biologics development—from cell line research and process engineering to clinical trials, large-scale manufacturing, and regulatory approvals—positioning it as a key player in advancing affordable, world-class biologic therapies.
