Regeneron Pharmaceuticals announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved EYLEA (aflibercept) Injection for the treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). The recommended dosage of EYLEA in patients with DME is 2 milligrams (mg) every two months (8 weeks) after five initial monthly injections.

Although EYLEA may be dosed as frequently as 2 mg every 4 weeks, additional efficacy was not demonstrated when EYLEA was dosed every 4 weeks compared to every 8 weeks.

“Diabetic macular edema is a leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults in the U.S., and we are pleased to be able to offer a new treatment option to these patients,” said George D. Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Regeneron and President of Regeneron Laboratories.  “Our clinical studies have demonstrated that treatment with EYLEA can help improve and maintain vision with every 8 week dosing after 5 initial monthly doses.  EYLEA is the first VEGF inhibitor approved for dosing on a less than monthly basis for the treatment of DME.”