Genentech’s New Ocular Implant Drug Delivery System for Macular Degeneration Could Be a Game Changer

Genentech’s ocular implant drug delivery system for treatment of macular degeneration has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The system is called Susvimo and is touted by parent company Roche to be a “first-of-its-kind” therapeutic approach for neovascular, or “wet,” age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

Susvimo delivers ranibizumab via a port delivery system into a surgically placed implant in the eye, allowing for continuous delivery of the drug. Ranibizumab is an anti-angiogenic monoclonal antibody fragment that targets vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF A). Ranibizumab was developed by Genentech and is sold under the brand name Lucentis. It received FDA approval in 2018.