A summary of the Beovu-associated inflammation safety issue is presented in this July 2020 Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases Research Article, “Occlusive Retinal Vasculitis Following Intravitreal Brolucizumab”. From the Abstract for this item we get these details about the current Beovu safety issue under investigation:
Conclusions: Retinal vasculitis has been identified in a series of eyes following [Beovu (brolucizumab)]. Although a few eyes in this series were asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic, some eyes had significant vision loss. A careful examination for signs of active inflammation prior to [Beovu (brolucizumab)] injection is recommended. Once vasculopathy is suspected, angiographic imaging may help define the spectrum of involvement. Optimal treatment strategies remain unknown.
As early as May 2020 it was suggested by the authors of an Editorial piece published online by the American Journal of Ophthalmology that the use of Beovu injections should be suspended until the underlying cause of Beovu-associated inflammation is discovered.
From that Editorial — with this ominous title, “Is This a 737 Max Moment for Brolucizumab?” — in relevant part:
Amid mounting speculation as to the underlying cause of this [Beovu (brolucizumab)]-associated inflammation, we all want the investigations to continue so we can learn the truth behind these adverse events. Whatever is learned from these ongoing investigations will provide invaluable information for anyone developing an agent for injection into the eye. But as this process plays out, it is our view that intravitreal injections of [Beovu (brolucizumab)] should stop. [Beovu (brolucizumab)] is not the only drug that can be used for the treatment of [exudative age-related macular degeneration (eAMD)]. In the face of the known risk, its use is unwarranted.
We continue to monitor the medical and regulatory realms for significant developments, as well as watch for any information released by Novartis about the findings of their panel of experts who are considering the Beovu-associated inflammation safety issue.
Further, we are currently investigating drug injury lawsuits against Novartis for Beovu causing vision loss and blindness due to occlusive retinal vasculitis, retinal artery occlusion, and intraocular inflammation.
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