Samsung Bioepis' Eylea biosimilar 'Afilivu' is becoming available for prescription at general hospitals.

Industry sources said that Afilivu (aflibercept), a macular degeneration treatment, has passed the drug committees (DC) of medical centers, including Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital.

Afilivu is a biosimilar referencing Eylea, a blockbuster product generating KRW 12 trillion in global sales. In February, it obtained approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), and in May, it received approval from the FDA under the product name of 'Opuviz.'

Afilivu's active ingredient, aflibercept, works by inhibiting vasc