Can Patients Switch to Biosimilar Aflibercept?

A 20-week INSIGHT extension suggests that switching from reference aflibercept to MYL-1701P maintained comparable safety, visual, and anatomic outcomes in patients with diabetic macular edema.

By
Andrea Surnit
July 20, 2026
3 min

MDSpire News

Overview

Patients with diabetic macular edema who switched to the biosimilar aflibercept MYL-1701P maintained comparable safety and efficacy profiles to those who continued the reference drug during a 20-week extension of the INSIGHT trial.

Background

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a significant cause of vision loss, and anti-VEGF therapies like aflibercept are standard treatments. The introduction of biosimilars offers potential cost savings and increased access to treatment. Understanding the safety and efficacy of switching from reference to biosimilar agents is crucial for clinical decision-making.

Data Highlights

Group	Patients	Adverse Events	BCVA Changes	CST Changes
Continued MYL-1701P	29	9	Comparable	Comparable
Switched to MYL-1701P	23	7	Comparable	Comparable

Key Findings

Patients switching to MYL-1701P maintained safety and efficacy profiles similar to those continuing the reference drug.
Adverse events were mostly mild or moderate, with no deaths reported.
One serious adverse event occurred in the switch group, considered possibly related to treatment.
No treatment-induced or treatment-boosted antibodies were detected during the study.
Visual and anatomic improvements from the parent trial were sustained through week 76.

Clinical Implications

The study indicates that switching from reference aflibercept to MYL-1701P does not compromise safety or efficacy in patients with DME.

Conclusion

The findings support the maintenance of treatment efficacy and safety when switching to the biosimilar MYL-1701P in patients with diabetic macular edema.