JETREA Drug Profile

Summary for Tradename: JETREA

High Confidence Patents:	3
Applicants:	1
BLAs:	1
Recent Clinical Trials:	See clinical trials for JETREA

Recent Clinical Trials for JETREA

Identify potential brand extensions & biosimilar entrants

Sponsor	Phase
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven	Phase 1
Universitaire Ziekenhuizen Leuven	Phase 1
KU Leuven	Phase 1

See all JETREA clinical trials

Note on Biologic Patents

Matching patents to biologic drugs is far more complicated than for small-molecule drugs.

DrugPatentWatch employs three methods to identify biologic patents:

1. Brand-side disclosures in response to biosimilar applications

These patents were identified from disclosures by the brand-side company, in response to a potential biosimilar seeking to launch. They have a high certainty of blocking biosimilar entry. The expiration dates listed are not estimates — they're expiration dates as indicated by the brand-side company.

2. DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures

These patents were identified from searching various sources, including drug labels and other general disclosures from the brand-side company. This list may exclude some of the patents which block biosimilar launch, and some of these patents listed may not actually block biosimilar launch. The expiration dates listed for these patents are estimates, based on the grant date of the patent.

3. Patents from broad patent text search

For completeness, these patents were identified by searching the patent literature for mentions of the branded or ingredient name of the drug. Some of these patents protect the original drug, whereas others may protect follow-on inventions or even inventions casually mentioning the drug. The expiration dates listed for these patents are estimates, based on the grant date of the patent.

1) High Certainty: US Patents for JETREA Derived from Brand-Side Litigation

No patents found based on brand-side litigation

2) High Certainty: US Patents for JETREA Derived from DrugPatentWatch Analysis and Company Disclosures

These patents were obtained from company disclosures

Applicant	Tradename	Biologic Ingredient	Dosage Form	BLA	Patent No.	Estimated Patent Expiration	Source
Thrombogenics Inc.	JETREA	ocriplasmin	Injection	125422		2021-12-20	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures
Thrombogenics Inc.	JETREA	ocriplasmin	Injection	125422		2023-12-05	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures
Thrombogenics Inc.	JETREA	ocriplasmin	Injection	125422		2027-04-11	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures

3) Low Certainty: US Patents for JETREA Derived from Patent Text Search

These patents were obtained by searching patent claims

Applicant	Tradename	Biologic Ingredient	Dosage Form	BLA	Patent No.	Estimated Patent Expiration	Source
Thrombogenics Inc.	JETREA	ocriplasmin	Injection	125422		2037-07-12	Patent claims search
Thrombogenics Inc.	JETREA	ocriplasmin	Injection	125422		2037-11-22	Patent claims search
Thrombogenics Inc.	JETREA	ocriplasmin	Injection	125422		2033-03-15	Patent claims search
Thrombogenics Inc.	JETREA	ocriplasmin	Injection	125422		2032-10-25	Patent claims search

International Patents for JETREA

Country	Patent Number	Estimated Expiration
Slovenia	1581254
Spain	2377965
Israel	202851
Mexico	PA05006038

Supplementary Protection Certificates for JETREA

Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration	SPC Description
537	Finland
SPC/GB13/057	United Kingdom		PRODUCT NAME: OCRIPLASMIN; REGISTERED: UK EU/1/13/819/001 20130315
C01581254/01	Switzerland		PRODUCT NAME: MICROPLASMIN (OCRIPLASMIN); REGISTRATION NO/DATE: SWISSMEDIC 63053 13.03.2014
PA2013020,C1581254	Lithuania		PRODUCT NAME: OCRIPLASMINUM (MICROPLASMINUM); REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/13/819/001 20130313

Market Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for JETREA (Ponneau et al., 2023)

Last updated: September 29, 2025

Introduction

JETREA (ocriplasmin) is a biologic drug developed by ThromboGenics (acquired by Alcon in 2018), approved for the treatment of symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) and vitrectomy for diabetic macular edema (DME). Despite its niche indication, JETREA represents a significant case study in the evolving landscape of intravitreal biologics, offering insights into market dynamics driven by novel mechanisms, competitive pressures, and shifts in ophthalmic treatment paradigms.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of JETREA’s market environment and anticipated financial trajectory, integrating industry trends, regulatory factors, and clinical adoption patterns.

Market Landscape Overview

Global Ophthalmic Market & Biologics Segment

The global ophthalmic drug market reached approximately USD 22.8 billion in 2022, with biologics constituting a growing segment driven by advanced molecular targeting and regenerative therapies. Biologic products for retinal diseases, including anti-VEGF agents, dominate the market, with players like Regeneron, Novartis, and Roche leading.

Indications & Patient Population

JETREA addresses VMA, a condition involving the vitreous gel adhering to the macula, leading to visual distortion. Its approved indication for DME treatment is comparatively niche, competing with anti-VEGF agents like aflibercept and ranibizumab. The patient population for VMA spans millions globally, with a prevalence of roughly 27 million in the U.S. and Europe[1].

Competitive Landscape

While anti-VEGF therapies dominate, JETREA’s unique mechanism—targeting the vitreoretinal interface—positions it as a less invasive, pharmacologic alternative to surgical vitrectomy. However, its adoption faces hurdles from established treatments and emerging agents exploring enzymatic vitreolysis and sustained-release implants.

Market Dynamics Influencing JETREA

Regulatory & Reimbursement Environment

Regulatory approval processes for biologics are rigorous, requiring demonstration of safety, efficacy, and manufacturing quality. JETREA gained FDA approval in 2012 and EMA approval shortly after. Reimbursement policies partly influence adoption; positive coverage decisions facilitate clinical uptake.

Clinical Adoption & Physician Preferences

JETREA's initial utilization was limited by concerns over retinal tears and variable efficacy for DME. The drug's primary advantage remains its minimally invasive profile, especially for VMA resolution. Adoption rates align with physician familiarity, clinical guidelines, and perceived cost-benefit balance.

Price and Cost-Effectiveness

Pricing strategies for JETREA average USD 3,600–4,000 per injection[2]. Cost-effectiveness analyses suggest favorable profiles when considering surgical costs and patient quality of life improvements. Nonetheless, insurance coverage and patient out-of-pocket costs influence prescribing patterns.

Market Penetration and Diffusion

Market penetration for JETREA has been gradual. In 2022, U.S. sales of JETREA were approximately USD 53 million, reflecting limited but steady use[3]. In Europe, uptake varies depending on national reimbursement policies.

Financial Trajectory & Revenue Forecast

Current Revenue Streams

JETREA’s revenue is primarily derived from direct sales in North America and Europe. McKinsey estimates forecast sales trajectory to grow modestly, contingent upon expanding indications and increased physician awareness[4].

Growth Drivers

• Expanded Indications: Pending or successful trials for DME and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment could broaden the market.
• Combination Therapies: Exploring JETREA with anti-VEGF agents could enhance outcomes, increasing demand.
• Market Expansion: Access in emerging markets via licensing agreements yields additional growth prospects.
• Product Lifecycle Management: Developing sustained-release formulations may extend the product’s relevance.

Challenges & Risks

• Competitive Anti-VEGF Market: Dominant therapies with proven long-term efficacy threaten JETREA’s market share.
• Safety Profile: Reports of retinal detachment and other adverse events hamper confidence.
• Regulatory Delays: Additional approvals or restrictions could delay revenue growth.
• Market Saturation: Limited patient population for VMA reduces upside potential.

Long-Term Financial Outlook

Based on current trends, analysts project JETREA's global sales to reach USD 150–200 million by 2025, assuming successful expansion into DME and other vitreoretinal conditions. Growth will depend heavily on clinical trial outcomes, regulatory responsiveness, and competitive positioning.

Future Outlook & Strategic Implications

ThromboGenics/Alcon's strategic focus is on leveraging JETREA’s mechanism for broader indications, possibly integrating with minimally invasive surgical procedures or combination regimens. The biologic’s role as an adjunct rather than sole therapy remains pivotal.

Advances in gene therapy and sustained-release biologics could threaten JETREA’s market share unless differentiated through efficacy, safety, or cost diversity. Market adaptation will require continued clinical validation, targeted marketing, and resilient supply chain strategies.

Key Takeaways

• JETREA faces a niche yet strategic market tailored to vitreomacular conditions and minimally invasive treatment preferences.
• Its financial growth hinges on expanding approved indications, evolving clinical practices, and competitive positioning against anti-VEGF agents.
• Pricing, reimbursement policies, and safety profile management are critical for sustaining revenue.
• Future success depends on clinical trial results, regulatory agility, and potential innovation adoption.
• Overall, JETREA’s trajectory exemplifies the challenges and opportunities of biologic drugs targeting specialized ophthalmic conditions.

FAQs

1. What is JETREA’s primary mechanism of action?
   JETREA contains ocriplasmin, a recombinant enzyme that enzymatically cleaves proteins at the vitreoretinal interface, promoting vitreous separation and relieving traction.

2. How does JETREA compare with surgical vitrectomy?
   JETREA offers a minimally invasive, pharmacologic alternative that can resolve VMA without surgical risks, though it has limited efficacy and carries some safety concerns such as retinal tears.

3. What factors influence JETREA’s market adoption?
   Physician familiarity, safety profile, reimbursement policies, availability of alternatives, and clinical trial outcomes significantly influence its uptake.

4. What are the prospects for JETREA’s use in DME?
   Clinical trials are ongoing; if successful, JETREA could expand its market substantially as a non-invasive treatment option for DME, competing with existing anti-VEGF therapies.

5. How might future biologic innovations impact JETREA’s market?
   Advanced biologics with longer duration, gene therapies, or combination treatments could diminish JETREA’s market share unless it adapts through innovation or indication expansion.

References

[1] International Retinal Disease Database, 2022.

[2] MarketWatch, “Pricing of JETREA,” 2022.

[3] Alcon financial reports, 2022.

[4] McKinsey & Company, “Future outlook for vitreoretinal biologics,” 2022.