Greetings. Another day gone, but I am not sure where. After doing some work-work and yoga and a puppy walk and other assorted nonsense, I decided some of the piles in my home “office” – and believe me, I use the term loosely – had reached critical mass. What do I have in this mess, exactly?
Well, it appears generic drugs for wet AMD are coming our way. Or maybe they are “look alike,” drugs but that term has a bad connotation. The article says “biosimilar” so maybe we can go with that.
Whatever term you use, the Indians are coming up with some medications that pretty much do the same job as some anti-VEGF drugs being manufactured here and in Europe. The one the Medscape article highlights is called Razumab and it is a stand-in for ranibizumab.
The article goes on to explain biosimilar drugs are designed to replicate the molecular structure of existing biologics. Like generics, they cost much less…hmmmm. I don’t think I have to guess what big pharma thinks about that!
As might be anticipated, these biosimilars are not yet available in the States. The FDA has not yet approved any biosimilar for ophthalmic use but that does not mean it won’t happen. The Wiki people have a current list of 11 biosimilars already approved.
As of the date of the article, they were having a few problems with manufacturing consistency from batch to batch. In other words, not yet ready for primetime. However, stay tuned.
We did a cursory look at the Retina Specialist Pipeline Update several pages ago. Looking at all of the potential new treatment for wet AMD, I kept seeing the term “novel antibody.” I just did a search and did not get far on that term. My best guess is they are manufacturing new antibodies for specific purposes.
Anyone want to explain “novel antibody” in one and two syllable words, I would like to hear from you.
And here is an article of everyday practicality from WebRN. The title of the article is Macular Degeneration Aids for Grooming. The article suggests a lighted make-up mirror for both sexes and electric rather than blade razors. The better to not cut your own throat, my dears. Shampoo should be in pump bottles so you are not fumbling with the cap and/or spilling slippery shampoo in the shower or on the bathroom floor. You can also get body lotion in pump bottles. Same concept.
Although the WebRN article does not say so, a system to distinguish your shampoo from your lotion is also a good idea. For example, some people put one rubber band around one container and two around the other. Or, pick products with distinctive scents. Strawberry shampoo and lemon lotion, for example. Yes, there is a risk of ending up smelling like a fruit salad but that is better than “washing” your hair with body lotion!
So, my one pile is a little smaller now. There is so much good stuff out there! We’ll just keep looking at it for you. And if you have any topics you want to be covered, let us know. Otherwise, you might just keep getting what floats to the top of the pile!
Written August 19, 2018
Next: Life is Not Fair
Home