Biocon Biologics’ retinal disorder medication Yesafili gets public funding in Canada

Yesafili, available in vial and prefilled syringe presentations (2 mg/0.05 mL), was the first biosimilar to Eylea approved by Health Canada

Biocon Biologics Ltd. (BBL), a fully integrated global biosimilars company and subsidiary of Biocon Ltd, announced that Yesafili (aflibercept), a biosimilar to Eylea (aflibercept) injection, is now publicly funded on the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Formulary/Comparative Drug Index for the treatment of patients with advanced retinal diseases in Canada.

Yesafili, available in vial and prefilled syringe presentations (2 mg/0.05 mL), was the first biosimilar to Eylea approved by Health Canada. Its inclusion on the ODB Formulary, effective August 29, 2025, ensures that eligible patients in Ontario—the country’s largest province—will have public coverage for this therapy. This milestone enhances patient access to advanced care while helping to reduce the economic burden on the healthcare system.

Yesafili (aflibercept) is approved in Canada for the treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD), visual impairment due to macular edema secondary to central or branch retinal vein occlusion (CRVO/BRVO), diabetic macular edema (DME), and myopic choroidal neovascularization (myopic CNV). Retinal conditions such as wet AMD affect more than two million Canadians and represent a leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide, creating significant challenges for patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems.

Ramy Ayad, Head of Canada at Biocon Biologics, said: “Ontario’s public funding of Yesafili, Canada’s first biosimilar to Eylea and the seventh biosimilar we have launched in the country, underscores our commitment to expanding access to biologics and building a sustainable biosimilars environment. By offering a high-quality and affordable treatment option, Yesafili removes cost barriers for patients with retinal diseases, delivers substantial savings to the healthcare system, and ensures broader access to essential care.”