Zydus Lifesciences Limited has announced the launch of ANYRA, India’s first indigenously developed Aflibercept 2 mg biosimilar, marking a major step in advancing affordable ophthalmic care in the country. The company made the announcement on February 19, 2026, through an official press release submitted to stock exchanges.

The launch strengthens Zydus’ position in the biosimilar and biologics segment, while reinforcing its commitment to expanding access to high-quality, affordable treatments for chronic retinal diseases in India.

Indications and Medical Use

ANYRA is indicated for the treatment of several serious retinal conditions, including:

• Neovascular (wet) Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

• Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)

• Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

• Macular edema following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO), including Branch RVO and Central RVO

• Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization (mCNV)

These conditions often require anti-VEGF therapy, administered through repeated intravitreal injections over extended periods. Early and continuous treatment is critical to prevent irreversible vision loss.

Addressing India’s Growing Retinal Disease Burden

India has one of the world’s largest diabetic populations, with over 100 million people living with diabetes. Diabetic Retinopathy alone affects an estimated 7 to 8 million individuals, many of whom may progress to advanced stages such as DME.

In addition:

• Wet AMD impacts approximately 1.5 to 2 million elderly patients.

• Retinal Vein Occlusion affects over 2 million individuals nationwide.

Collectively, these figures represent a significant patient pool requiring long-term retinal therapy.

Since chronic retinal diseases require ongoing injections, affordability and treatment adherence remain major concerns. By introducing a locally developed biosimilar, Zydus aims to improve access, reduce treatment costs, and help lower the long-term burden of preventable blindness.

Strategic Agreement with Regeneron and Bayer

Zydus has also signed an agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Bayer, strengthening its position in the ophthalmology segment. The agreement supports the commercialisation and regulatory pathway of the biosimilar product.

This move reflects the company’s broader strategy of collaborating with global pharmaceutical leaders while developing and manufacturing advanced biologics within India.

Leadership Statement

Speaking on the launch, Dr. Sharvil P. Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., said:

At Zydus, we are committed to making advanced biologics accessible to patients who need them most. ANYRA is a transformative step for affordable retinal care in India. By delivering a high-quality, indigenously developed Aflibercept 2 mg, we are expanding patient access to critical therapies with advanced biologics. Our focus remains on enabling patient-centric outcomes by leveraging science, health and innovation.

Strengthening India’s Biosimilar Ecosystem

Zydus currently has India’s largest biosimilar portfolio, with more than 13 biosimilars and complex biologic molecules developed and manufactured entirely in India.

The company has established end-to-end capabilities across the biologics value chain, including:

• Cell line research

• Process engineering

• Clinical trials

• Large-scale manufacturing

• Regulatory approvals

This integrated approach allows Zydus to maintain quality standards while improving cost efficiencies in biologic drug production.

About Zydus Lifesciences

Zydus Lifesciences Limited is an innovation-led global life sciences company with leadership positions across pharmaceuticals and consumer wellness. It also has an emerging MedTech franchise and a strong international presence in the United States, India and other global markets.

As of September 30, 2025, the group employs approximately 29,000 people worldwide, including nearly 1,500 scientists engaged in research and development. The company focuses on delivering quality healthcare solutions aimed at unlocking new possibilities in life sciences.

Conclusion

The launch of ANYRA marks a significant milestone in India’s biologics landscape. By introducing the country’s first indigenously developed Aflibercept 2 mg biosimilar, Zydus aims to expand access to advanced retinal therapies and address the growing burden of diabetic and age-related eye diseases.

With rising cases of chronic retinal disorders and increasing demand for affordable anti-VEGF therapy, ANYRA is positioned to play a key role in improving treatment continuity, reducing preventable blindness, and strengthening India’s self-reliance in advanced biologics manufacturing.

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