November 8, 2019

A new Novartis drug, Beovu (brolucizumab), has just been approved by the FDA for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Most common in people 50 and older, it is estimated that 11 million people suffer from age-related macular degeneration. Wet AMD diagnoses make up 10%-15% of those cases, but its aggressive nature is responsible for 90% of legal blindness in patients.

The disease is caused by the deterioration of the retina’s central portion—the macula—which is responsible for our ability to read, drive, recognize faces, colors and see the fine detail in objects. Wet AMD is a form of macular degeneration that involves the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina and macula that then bleed and leak fluid. If not treated, rapid and severe vision loss can occur within weeks. 

At Island Retina, we are excited to offer Beovu to all individuals with wet AMD.

As a participant in the worldwide phase 3 study, Island Retina has an extensive understanding of the drug, and its benefits to sufferers of this life-altering disease.

Engineered to deliver the highest concentration, Beovu is the first FDA approved drug to offer a less frequent dosing while still maintaining its effectiveness. After receiving the first three-month injections of Beovu, most patients can go up to 3 months before needing another injection.

Providing more binding agents than older treatments, Beovu patients can find a decrease in retinal thickness and drier retinas with less frequent dosing. With Beovu, patients can focus more on what’s important in their lives and less about the burden of constant treatments.

At Island Retina, we pride ourselves on providing our patients with cutting-edge technology and the most advanced medical treatments on the market. If you or a loved one are suffering from wet AMD, our expert staff can help.