Byooviz is a ranibizumab biosimilar — a near-identical, regulator-approved copy of the established anti-VEGF drug Lucentis — used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). It is given as a quick intravitreal injection into the eye to dry up the abnormal leaking blood vessels that threaten central vision. At our partner clinics, private Byooviz injections start from £850 per injection, all-inclusive of the consultant, the drug, the sterile procedure and an OCT scan — a lower price than branded ranibizumab, with the same proven molecule, mechanism and safety profile. Wet AMD is treated with a course of injections rather than a single dose.
What is Byooviz?
Byooviz was the first ranibizumab biosimilar approved in the UK and Europe. A biosimilar is a biological medicine shown by regulators to be highly similar to an already-licensed "reference" drug — here, Lucentis — with no clinically meaningful differences in safety or effectiveness. Because biosimilars do not repeat the full original development cost, they bring the same treatment to patients at a lower price.
Like all anti-VEGF treatments, Byooviz works by blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the signal that drives the fragile new blood vessels of wet AMD to grow and leak under the macula. Blocking VEGF dries up this fluid, stabilises vision and, in many patients, recovers some of the vision recently lost. It is one of several injection options your consultant can use within a wet AMD treatment plan.
Why patients choose private Byooviz treatment
- Faster access — begin treatment quickly, as wet AMD damage is time-critical
- Lower drug cost — biosimilar pricing below branded ranibizumab
- The same proven molecule — regulator-confirmed equivalence to Lucentis
- Consultant continuity — the same retina specialist throughout your course
- Flexible scheduling — appointments arranged around you
Recently diagnosed with wet AMD? Early treatment protects vision. A consultant assessment with an OCT scan confirms the diagnosis and starts your treatment plan promptly.
Book a retina assessmentByooviz compared with other wet AMD injections
Several anti-VEGF drugs treat wet AMD. They share the same goal but differ in molecule, dosing interval and cost. Your consultant chooses the option that best matches your eye's response and how often you can attend.
There is no single best drug for everyone. Byooviz offers the established ranibizumab molecule at a lower price; longer-interval options such as faricimab or high-dose aflibercept can reduce how often you attend. Read more in our guide to wet vs dry AMD treatment options, or learn about the underlying condition on our macular degeneration page.
What happens during a Byooviz injection
An intravitreal injection sounds daunting but is quick, routine and performed under local anaesthetic drops. The eye is numbed so you feel little more than slight pressure. The appointment takes around 10-15 minutes including preparation.
- An OCT scan checks the macula and confirms treatment is needed at this visit.
- Anaesthetic drops numb the eye and antiseptic is used to clean the surface and prevent infection.
- A small holder keeps the eyelids gently open and you are asked to look in a set direction.
- The Byooviz dose is given as a fine injection through the white of the eye into the vitreous gel — it takes only seconds.
- The eye is checked and you are given aftercare advice before going home the same day.
Aftercare & what to expect
Wet AMD is a long-term condition, so treatment is delivered as an ongoing course with monitoring rather than a one-off. Here is what to expect.
Day of injection
Mild grittiness, watering or a small red patch on the white of the eye is common and settles within days. Avoid rubbing the eye. Most people drive themselves home or return to normal activity.
First few days
You may see a few floaters that fade. Report any worsening pain, increasing redness or vision loss promptly — these are rare but should be checked.
Loading phase
Wet AMD usually needs three initial monthly injections to bring the disease under control and stabilise vision.
Maintenance
Your consultant then uses a treat-and-extend approach, gradually lengthening the interval between injections based on your OCT scans and response.
Ongoing monitoring
Regular reviews continue to protect your vision long term. Treatment is adjusted — or switched to another drug — if your eye needs it.
Cost & insurance
Our Byooviz pricing is per injection and all-inclusive: the consultant retina specialist, the Byooviz drug, the sterile procedure, the OCT scan that guides treatment, and your post-injection check. Because wet AMD needs a course of injections, your consultant will explain the likely number of treatments and the total cost over time at your assessment.
- Self-pay: from £850 per injection, all-inclusive — lower than branded ranibizumab.
- Insurance: recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna, WPA and others. We handle authorisation.
- Finance: 0% options available to spread the cost of a treatment course — ask our team.
Compare the cost of other wet AMD injections such as Vabysmo and Eylea HD 8mg.