Beovu is the market name for the drug, brolucizumab, and is typically prescribed to treat “wet” age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in patients. Wet AMD is a condition wherein new blood vessels develop in the eye which can cause loss of vision.  

The active chemical matrix in Beovu works to inhibit the presence of another compound referred to as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). If excess levels of VEGF are present in the human eye, blood vessel production results and consequently the potential for wet AMD. According to Beovu’s manufacturer, global pharmaceutical firm Novartis, Beovu was designed to block VEGF and alleviate vision loss resulting from wet AMD.

Beovu is injected directly into the gelatinous vitreal cavity of the human eye and is typically injected monthly for the first 2-3 doses and then once every 8-12 weeks thereafter. Beovu is only available by prescription and must be administered by a qualified professional.

Novartis launched Beovu following its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2019.  Less than one year following approval, some patients reported issues with intraocular inflammation; retinal vasculitis; and vascular occlusion; conditions that can lead to vision loss. In February 2020, the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) issued a safety update for doctors concerning Beovu.

The FDA has not taken any formal action with respect to Beovu. However, Novartis submitted a new label update to the FDA in June 2020 which includes additional safety information concerning retinal vasculitis and vascular occlusion.

Prescription Name and Overview

Beovu is the brand name for a prescription medication designed to treat “wet” AMD, a chronic eye condition caused by abnormal blood vessel formations. The condition can cause blurred vision or blind spots in the visual field of sufferers. Symptoms of wet AMD tend to appear rapidly and worsen. Typical symptoms include:

• Visual Distortion
• Impaired Central Vision
• Blurry Spots in Field of Vision
• Facial Recognition Issues
• Increased Lighting Needs
• Decreased Color Brightness
• Difficulty Reading Due to Blurriness

Beovu was approved by the FDA in October 2019 for the treatment of AMD. It is classified as a VEGF inhibitor due to its ability to inhibit the growth of the blood vessels which leads to AMD.

Generic Name and Overview

Brolucizumab (marketed as Beovu).

OTC  Name and Overview

Manufacturer

Beovu (brolucizumab)

Novartis International AG (Basel, Switzerland)

Novartis-U.S. (Cambridge, Massachusetts)

Drug Development

ESBATech (phase IIa)

Alcon Laboratories (phase IIb)

Labeled Indications

Beovu is a human vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor and is used in the treatment of wet, age-related macular degeneration.

Dosages

Beovu is administered by intravitreal injection. Intravitreal injections involve the insertion of a syringe needle directly into the gelatinous pocket at the back of the eye. This procedure is usually performed by a trained specialist.  The recommended dose is 6mg every 25-31 days for the first three doses. Afterward, patients may receive 6mg doses every 8-12 weeks.

What Is It Used For?

The active compound matrix in Beovu is classified as a VEGF inhibitor, meaning it blocks a critical protein key to the creation of certain blood vessels in the eye. These blood vessels can grow, then leak blood and other fluids into the eye causing damage and vision loss.

What are the Approved Uses?

Beovu was approved by the FDA in October 2019 to treat wet age-related macular degeneration.

Production Anecdotes / History

Beovu began development from its inception as a targeted drug meant to address a specific protein sequence that causes blood vessels in the eye to grow abnormally and impair vision. It was approved by the FDA following two masked clinical trials code-named HAWK and HARRIER which included among them more than 1,800 enrolled patients around the world. A major perceived benefit of Beovu over earlier AMD therapies (such as Eylea) is that it allows a higher concentration of its key compound to reach the retina and choroid following injection.

In February 2020, the American Society of Retina Specialists issued a safety update concerning Beovu which enumerated 14 cases of patients developing retinal vasculitis following injection. At least 11 of the detailed cases involved retinal vasculitis of a nature that can cause vision loss. The FDA has not issued any warning or communication concerning Beovu. However, Beovu’s manufacturer, Swiss-based Novartis, added a new warning on its label in June 2020 to included additional safety information concerning retinal vasculitis and retinal vascular occlusion.