Bayer recently received good news from the European Medicines Agency (EMA): A significant positive recommendation for the eye medication Eylea. The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) advocates for the treatment intervals of Eylea 8 mg to be extended to up to six months for two major retinal diseases, wet age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DMÖ).
Less Burden for Patients
The recommendation is of great importance because Eylea is injected directly into the eyeball. Extended intervals mean fewer injections per year, reduce the burden for patients, and could potentially lower treatment costs. The official decision of the EU Commission is expected in the coming weeks.
Strategic Advantage for Bayer
For Bayer, this development is a strategic advantage in the competitive landscape: The high-dose Eylea 8 mg could differentiate itself from competing products through longer intervals, especially against Roche’s Vabysmo. Christine Roth, Head of Global Product Strategy and Commercialization at Bayer, sees in this recommendation the potential to set a new standard of therapy.
Financially, the significance of this news is also evident: In 2024, Bayer generated revenue of 3.3 billion euros with Eylea. Although the patent protection for the active ingredient Aflibercept is expiring, Bayer holds patents for higher-dose variants that could secure their market position.
Positive Reactions in the Stock Market
Bayer’s stock reacted positively to the news, rising by 2.32 percent to 24.93 euros in XETRA trading. This development indicates investor confidence in Bayer’s strategy and its growth potential in the ophthalmology field.
In summary: The EMA recommendation to extend the treatment intervals of Eylea strengthens Bayer’s competitive position and offers both medical and economic benefits. This is positively reflected in the stock price and underscores Bayer’s innovative strength in ophthalmology.