Can a Biosimilar Finally Make Macular Care Affordable?

The EMA has recommended Rexatilux for approval, offering an affordable new biosimilar for treating age-related macular degeneration across Europe

28 Apr 2026

For millions of Europeans facing progressive vision loss, a meaningful shift may be coming. In late April 2026, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use issued a positive recommendation for Rexatilux, a ranibizumab biosimilar developed by Intas, marking a significant step forward in making biological eye treatments more accessible across the continent.

Rexatilux targets neovascular age-related macular degeneration and visual impairment caused by diabetic macular edema. Like its reference product Lucentis, it works by using a monoclonal antibody fragment to block vascular endothelial growth factor A, the protein responsible for the abnormal blood vessel growth that steals sight. Clinical data confirms it matches Lucentis on quality, safety, and efficacy while coming at a lower cost to health systems.

That cost dimension matters enormously. Aging populations are placing growing pressure on national health budgets, and biologics have long been among the most expensive items on the formulary. A high-quality biosimilar creates real competition, and competition creates room to breathe.

The drug is delivered as a 10 mg/ml solution for injection and must be administered by qualified ophthalmologists. Final authorization from the European Commission is expected to follow the committee's recommendation shortly. Once approved, Rexatilux will enter a market where affordability and access have too often worked against each other. For patients, that tension may finally be starting to ease.