Sandoz Sets a New Benchmark in Eye Care: Afqlir Biosimilar Begins European Rollout

Published: 27 Nov 2025

Author: Precedence Research

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With the European introduction of Afqlir Sandozs biosimilar to aflibercept, a widely used treatment for severe retinal disorders, the company has made significant strides in the ophthalmology market. Starting in the UK, the company has started introducing the product throughout Europe, with major markets like Germany and France following closely behind. Through 2026, the broader European rollout will go on. This launch is noteworthy because Afqlir provides an affordable alternative to aflibercept, which has historically been among the priciest treatments in eye care without sacrificing clinical efficacy. Through 2025, Sandoz plans to expand availability to additional European countries, making it more accessible to patients in need. The launch reflects the company's strategic focus on providing cost-effective eye care solutions.

Afqlir dosage form and delivery options, which include a pre-filled syringe designed for intravitreal use and a 2 mg vial kit, are identical to those of the reference product Eylea. A head-to-head comparison in the My Light study was one of the many analytical and clinical evaluations the biosimilar underwent before going on sale. These analyses verified that Afqlir produces outcomes comparable to those of the original biologic in terms of pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy, ensuring that patients and physicians receive the same therapeutic value as the original biologic. This affordability is expected to reduce the financial burden on patients and healthcare providers across Europe. It also enables wider adoption among clinicians seeking high-quality alternatives.

For those with vision-threatening retinal conditions like diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, and myopic choroidal neovascularization, the launch has great potential. For many patients, the cost of treatment is a major obstacle, as these conditions often require lifelong care. Sandoz plans to increase treatment accessibility and possibly reduce the financial burden on healthcare systems by launching a lower-cost biosimilar, especially as the aging population in Europe fuels demand for ophthalmic care.

Afqlir helps Sandoz maintain its dominant position in the rapidly expanding global biosimilars and ophthalmology market. Afqlir significantly boosts the company's growing portfolio of authorized biosimilars, and the anti-VEGF market alone is worth over USD 15 billion. Sandoz continues to solidify its position as a major player in providing patients worldwide with cutting-edge, reasonably priced biologics, with additional launches planned and multiple products in development.