Lucentis (generic name: ranibizumab) is a prescription medication used to treat several serious eye conditions that can lead to vision loss. It is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor that works by blocking the protein responsible for the growth of abnormal, leaking blood vessels in the eye. 

Primary Medical Uses (2025)

As of December 2025, Lucentis is indicated for treating:

• Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (wAMD): A chronic condition damaging central vision.
• Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): Swelling in the retina caused by diabetes.
• Diabetic Retinopathy (DR): Damage to blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
• Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO): Macular edema following a blockage in the retinal veins.
• Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization (mCNV): Vision loss related to severe nearsightedness.
• Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): Specifically used in preterm infants for certain stages of the disease. 

Administration and Dosage

• Method: It is administered as an intravitreal injection directly into the vitreous (the jelly-like substance inside the eye) by a healthcare professional.
• Frequency: Often starting with once-monthly injections for at least three months, with subsequent doses spaced out based on the patient's response.
• Form: Available in single-use vials or pre-filled syringes (0.3 mg or 0.5 mg doses). 

Common Side Effects

Most side effects are related to the injection procedure or the drug's effect on the eye: 

• Common: Eye pain or soreness, "floaters" (spots in vision), bloodshot eyes (conjunctival hemorrhage), and temporary increased eye pressure.
• Serious (Rare): Serious eye infections (endophthalmitis), retinal detachment, and a small risk of arterial blood clots (heart attack or stroke). 

2025 Market Status and Biosimilars

Following the expiration of original patents, several biosimilars (more affordable alternatives) have become available or gained new approvals in 2025: 

• Byooviz (ranibizumab-nuna): A major biosimilar often listed at a significant discount (approx. 40%) compared to brand-name Lucentis.
• Ranivisio: Launched in Europe in October 2025 as the first biosimilar available in a pre-filled syringe.
• New Approvals: Regulatory bodies like ANVISA (Brazil) and the EMA (Europe) approved new ranibizumab biosimilars throughout late 2025 to increase patient access. 

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes.