Bayer gets EU backing to extend Eylea treatment gaps

German pharmaceutical firm Bayer has received a recommendation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to extend dosing intervals for its anti-blindness drug Eylea. The EMA backed the use of an 8mg dose administered every six months for treating wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema.

The endorsement could give Bayer a competitive edge over rival treatment Vabysmo from Roche, which is approved for injection every four months. Eylea was previously cleared in the European Union for treatment intervals of up to five months.

Developed in collaboration with U.S.-based Regeneron, Eylea addresses leading causes of blindness among older adults. A final decision now rests with the European Commission, which generally aligns with the EMA's recommendations. Bayer expects a ruling within weeks.