Yesafili is the first aflibercept biosimilar licensed in the UK and EU - a biosimilar to Eylea 2mg developed by Biocon Biologics and Viatris - used to treat wet (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration. It is delivered as a quick intravitreal injection under local anaesthetic drops and works by blocking VEGF-A and placental growth factor to dry up the abnormal leaking blood vessels behind the retina. At our partner clinics, Yesafili injections start from about £950 per injection, with a typical loading course of three injections from around £2,850. Biosimilars deliver the same clinical efficacy and safety as the reference drug at a lower cost, widening access to early treatment that preserves vision.
What is Yesafili and how does it work?
Yesafili is a biosimilar version of aflibercept, the active ingredient in Eylea 2mg. A biosimilar is a biological medicine that is highly similar to an already-approved reference drug, with no clinically meaningful differences in efficacy, safety or quality. Yesafili is the first aflibercept biosimilar to be licensed in the UK and Europe, developed by Biocon Biologics and Viatris.
It belongs to a class of drugs called anti-VEGF (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor) agents. In wet AMD, abnormal new blood vessels grow under the macula - the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision - and these fragile vessels leak fluid and blood. Yesafili works by blocking VEGF-A and placental growth factor (PlGF), the signals that drive this abnormal growth. By switching off these signals, the treatment dries up the leakage, stabilises the retina and helps preserve - and often improve - central vision.
Alongside wet AMD, aflibercept is also used to treat diabetic macular oedema, macular oedema following retinal vein occlusion, and myopic choroidal neovascularisation (myopic CNV). Your consultant will confirm whether Yesafili is appropriate for your specific diagnosis.
Why wet AMD needs prompt treatment
- Rapid central vision loss - untreated wet AMD can damage the macula quickly
- Distorted vision - straight lines appear wavy or bent
- A dark or blank patch in the centre of your sight
- Difficulty reading and recognising faces as detail fades
- Colours appearing less vivid
- Early, regular treatment preserves vision - delay risks permanent loss
Noticed sudden distortion or a central blur? Wet AMD assessment includes OCT scans to confirm diagnosis and plan your anti-VEGF treatment quickly.
Book a wet AMD assessmentTreatment & dosing options
Anti-VEGF treatment is given in two phases: a loading phase of regular injections to bring the disease under control, followed by a maintenance phase at extended intervals. Your consultant will tailor the schedule to how your retina responds on OCT scanning, often using a treat-and-extend approach to find the longest safe gap between injections.
Because Yesafili is a biosimilar, it offers the same clinical efficacy and safety as originator aflibercept (Eylea), but at a lower price - which can make a full course of treatment more affordable. Related options include the faricimab (Vabysmo) injection, Eylea HD 8mg, the Byooviz biosimilar, and anti-VEGF injections more broadly.
What happens during a Yesafili injection
The injection itself is a quick outpatient procedure performed in a clean clinic room under local anaesthetic drops. You stay awake throughout and most people find it far easier than they expected - the whole injection takes only a few minutes.
- Numbing drops are applied to the eye so you feel no pain during the injection.
- The eye and eyelids are cleaned with povidone-iodine antiseptic and a small holder gently keeps the lids apart.
- A tiny injection of aflibercept is given through the white of the eye (the sclera) into the vitreous gel - you may feel slight pressure but not pain.
- The drug is released inside the eye, where it begins to block VEGF and reduce the leakage.
- The eye is checked and you rest briefly before going home - there is no overnight stay.
Treatment response is tracked between visits with OCT (optical coherence tomography) scans, which produce a detailed cross-section of the retina so your consultant can see exactly how much fluid remains and decide when the next injection is due.
After your injection - what to expect
Recovery from an intravitreal injection is usually quick and most people return to normal activities the same or next day. Here is what to expect:
First few hours
The eye may feel slightly gritty or watery as the numbing drops wear off. A red patch on the white of the eye (subconjunctival haemorrhage) is common and harmless, fading over days.
First 24 hours
You may notice a few floaters or tiny bubbles in your vision - these settle. Avoid rubbing the eye and follow any drop instructions you are given.
Days 1-3
Mild irritation eases. Seek urgent advice if you develop increasing pain, marked redness, light sensitivity or worsening vision - rare warning signs of infection.
Between injections
OCT monitoring tracks how your retina responds. Your consultant adjusts the interval to the next injection, often extending it as your wet AMD stabilises.
Ongoing
Wet AMD is a long-term condition. Continuing the recommended injection schedule is what preserves vision over the years - regular treatment is key.
Cost & insurance
Yesafili pricing reflects the lower cost of biosimilars compared with the originator drug. Indicative self-pay prices at our partner clinics are shown below; your final quote is confirmed at consultation once your treatment plan is agreed.
- Self-pay: from about £950 per injection (biosimilar aflibercept). A loading course of three injections from around £2,850; maintenance from £950 per injection. By comparison, originator Eylea is typically £1,200-£1,800 per injection.
- Included: consultation and OCT diagnostics are part of your assessment and treatment planning.
- Insurance: accepted - we can help check your cover and arrange authorisation.
- Finance: available to spread the cost of a treatment course.
You can read more about paying for treatment on our finance and insured patients pages.