EMA: EC Decision — New Marketing Authorisation — Pavblu (aflibercept)
Amgen Technology (Ireland) UC
The European Commission approved aflibercept (Pavblu, Amgen) for neovascular age-related macular degeneration, visual impairment from retinal vein occlusion, diabetic macular edema, and myopic choroidal neovascularization on April 14, 2026. This represents a new marketing authorization following CHMP positive opinion in January 2025. The approval establishes Amgen's entry into the competitive anti-VEGF ophthalmology market, challenging established players Regeneron/Bayer (Eylea) and Roche (Lucentis/Vabysmo) across multiple retinal indications.
Strategic Signal
Amgen's EU approval creates a third major anti-VEGF competitor in ophthalmology, potentially pressuring Regeneron's Eylea franchise which dominates wet AMD and diabetic macular edema markets. European ophthalmologists now have increased leverage in pricing negotiations, particularly in Germany where G-BA assessments favor therapeutic alternatives. This follows the typical EU ophthalmology adoption pattern where biosimilars and new entrants gain traction through hospital tender processes before expanding to outpatient settings.