Roche Pharma India Launches Vabysmo for AMD and DME

Roche Pharma India Ltd. announced the launch of Vabysmo (faricimab) for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). These conditions are identified as the primary causes of vision loss on a global scale, affecting millions worldwide.

Vabysmo is designed to address neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), offering a new beacon of hope for patients grappling with these diseases. The introduction of Vabysmo underscores Roche's commitment to filling the gaps in eye care, particularly in the domain of retinal health where the need is immense but often overlooked.

Simpson Emmanuel, CEO and Managing Director of Roche Pharma India, highlighted the urgent need for enhanced attention to retinal disorders, "We believe more should be done to meet the needs of people living with retinal conditions and to preserve sight. While there is strong awareness and action for cataract and other frontal eye disorders, retinal conditions are often diagnosed late or neglected, leading to vision loss."

Emmanuel also pointed out the innovative approach of Vabysmo, which promises a reduction in the frequency of eye injections while maintaining, or even improving, vision and anatomical outcomes.

The burden of retinal vision loss is staggering, with more than 300 million patients affected worldwide and approximately 11 million in India alone. Roche Pharma India's launch of Vabysmo is a pivotal moment in the fight against these prevalent causes of vision loss, offering a glimmer of hope to millions.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition that primarily affects individuals as they age, leading to significant vision loss. It targets the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp and detailed vision, crucial for activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces. AMD is classified into two main types: dry (atrophic) and wet (neovascular), with the dry form being more common but less severe than the wet form, which can lead to rapid vision loss if untreated.

Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a serious complication of diabetes that arises when high blood sugar levels lead to damage in the blood vessels of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This damage causes the vessels to leak fluid and proteins, leading to swelling in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. DME is a leading cause of vision loss among people with diabetic retinopathy, the most common diabetic eye disease.