Ongavia (ranibizumab biosimilar) is an MHRA-licensed anti-VEGF medicine injected into the eye to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). It contains the same active molecule as Lucentis and works identically — blocking the protein (VEGF) that drives the abnormal, leaking blood vessels behind the retina — but as a biosimilar it costs less per injection. Private ranibizumab biosimilar treatment in the UK costs from around £850 per injection, including the consultant, OCT scan, the drug and the procedure. Most patients need a loading course of three monthly injections followed by ongoing treatment guided by scans.
What is Ongavia and how does it work?
Wet AMD occurs when fragile new blood vessels grow under the macula — the central part of the retina — and leak fluid and blood, distorting and destroying central vision. Ongavia contains ranibizumab, an anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) antibody fragment. By neutralising VEGF, it stops these vessels leaking and growing, allowing the retina to dry out and stabilise.
Ongavia was the first ranibizumab biosimilar to launch in the UK. A biosimilar is a rigorously tested, MHRA-licensed version of an established biological medicine: to be approved it must demonstrate equivalent efficacy, safety and quality to the original — in this case Lucentis, a mainstay of wet AMD care for well over a decade. Speed matters with wet AMD: the sooner treatment starts after symptoms begin, the more vision can be saved. Learn more on our wet AMD condition page and wet AMD treatment overview.
What happens during the injection
An intravitreal injection sounds daunting but is quick, routine and performed under sterile conditions. You are awake throughout and feel little more than mild pressure.
- Anaesthetic drops numb the surface of the eye, and antiseptic drops clean it to prevent infection.
- A small clip gently holds the eyelids open so you don't have to worry about blinking.
- The consultant injects a tiny dose of ranibizumab through the white of the eye (the sclera) into the vitreous cavity — it takes only seconds.
- The eye is checked and you rest briefly before going home. The whole visit takes about 10–15 minutes.
Noticed new blurring, distortion or a dark patch in your central vision? Wet AMD needs urgent assessment — early treatment protects sight.
Book a rapid macular assessmentAnti-VEGF drug options
Ongavia is one of several effective anti-VEGF treatments. Your consultant will recommend the best option for your eye, how often you'd need injections and your budget.
Other licensed biosimilars include Byooviz (ranibizumab) and Yesafili (aflibercept). Compare the longer-acting options on our Eylea HD 8mg and Vabysmo (faricimab) pages, or read wet AMD vs dry AMD treatment options.
The treatment course & aftercare
Wet AMD is a chronic condition, so Ongavia is given as an ongoing course rather than a one-off. Treatment is guided by OCT scans at each visit.
Loading phase
Three injections, usually one month apart, to bring the wet AMD under control quickly.
Maintenance
Further injections are scheduled based on your scans — a “treat-and-extend” approach gradually lengthens the gap between visits.
After each injection
Mild grittiness, a small red patch on the white of the eye or floaters are common for a day or two. Use any prescribed drops and avoid rubbing the eye.
When to call urgently
Increasing pain, worsening vision or significant redness in the days after an injection should be reported immediately.
How much do private Ongavia injections cost?
Private ranibizumab biosimilar injections start from around £850 per injection, including the consultant retinal specialist, your OCT macular scan, the drug itself and the injection procedure. Because wet AMD needs ongoing treatment, the saving against branded ranibizumab compounds over a course — your consultant will give you a clear estimate of the likely number of injections over the first year at your assessment.
- Self-pay: from around £850 per injection — lower than branded Lucentis, with equivalent efficacy and safety.
- Insurance: wet AMD treatment is covered by most major insurers — we handle authorisation.
- Loading course: most patients have three injections in the first three months, then maintenance guided by scans.