Lucentis (ranibizumab) was developed by Roche-owned Genentech and is used to treat several retinal diseases.
The original patent protection having expired Stockholm-based Xbrane has developed a biosimilar – a highly similar version – of Lucentis.
Development has been delayed, partly due to problems at contract manufacturers, as previously reported. However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now approved the biosimilar for sale in the US, according to a press release.