Santen Pharmaceutical Korea said it has begun exclusive distribution and promotion of Novartis’ VEGF inhibitors Beovu (ingredient: brolucizumab) and Lucentis (ingredient: ranibizumab) in Korea as of last Saturday, marking its official entry into Korea's retinal disease treatment market.
Both products are widely used in the treatment of major retinal disorders such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Beovu, based on a small single-chain antibody fragment (scFv), offers superior retinal penetration, while Lucentis has been used in more than 110 countries as one of the world’s leading anti-VEGF therapies.
The Korean market for macular degeneration treatments has traditionally been led by original biologics such as Lucentis, Beovu, and Eylea. However, the growing entry of biosimilars is expected to diversify treatment options for physicians and patients.
Amid increasing market competition centered on Eylea (ingredient: aflibercept) biosimilars, Santen Pharmaceutical Korea expects Beovu’s distinct molecular properties and proven clinical efficacy to stand out further.
Beovu has consistently achieved more than 20 percent annual sales growth since its launch, supported by its strong outcomes in patients who previously showed limited response to other anti-VEGF agents. The drug is also gaining recognition as a first-line treatment option for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), thanks to its sustained efficacy.
“With more than 25 years of presence in Korea, Santen Pharmaceutical Korea has continuously pursued patient-centered innovation through the introduction of advanced ophthalmic therapies,” said Lee Han-woong, CEO of Santen Pharmaceutical Korea. “By securing the rights to Beovu and Lucentis, we have reinforced our position as a true leading ophthalmology company in Korea, and we will continue to expand our contributions to patients and medical professionals alike.”
The move forms part of Santen Group’s broader strategy to strengthen its business presence across Asia. Santen Pharmaceutical Korea said it plans to further expand its ophthalmic portfolio across all areas of eye care, including retina, anterior segment, and glaucoma, while continuing to advance its corporate mission of “Happiness with Vision” through innovation and social contribution.