GB-102 (Sunitinib depot) is an investigational medicine given as an injection into the eye to treat Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD) by releasing a medicine over several months.
| Drug class | Sustained-release (Investigational) |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Intravitreal Injection |
| Common strength | Per dose |
| Prescription status | Investigational |
What GB-102 (Sunitinib depot) is used for
GB-102 (Sunitinib depot) is an investigational medicine primarily being studied for the treatment of:
- Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD): This is a serious eye condition that affects the macula, the central part of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. In Wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood, leading to blurred vision and blind spots. If left untreated, it can cause significant vision loss. GB-102 is designed to provide a sustained anti-VEGF effect, which means it aims to reduce the growth and leakage of these abnormal blood vessels over a longer period.
It is important to remember that GB-102 is currently investigational and not routinely available or approved for use in India.
How it works
GB-102 (Sunitinib depot) works by being injected directly into the vitreous humour, the jelly-like substance that fills the centre of your eye. Once injected, it forms a ‘depot’ or a small reservoir that slowly releases a medicine called sunitinib over several months. Sunitinib is a type of medicine known as a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor. In the context of Wet AMD, this medicine helps to block the signals that cause abnormal blood vessels to grow and leak under the retina. By continuously releasing the medicine, GB-102 aims to provide a sustained anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) effect, which means it continuously works to reduce the growth and leakage of these abnormal blood vessels, potentially reducing the frequency of injections compared to other treatments.
How it’s used
GB-102 (Sunitinib depot) is administered as an intravitreal injection, meaning it is injected directly into your eye. This procedure is always performed by a retina specialist in a sterile environment to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the treatment. The typical dosing pattern being investigated is an injection approximately every six months. Your retina specialist will determine the exact schedule based on the clinical trial protocols and your individual eye condition. It is crucial to attend all scheduled appointments for these injections and follow all post-injection care instructions provided by your doctor.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands in India
Hospital-prepared or not marketed as a retail brand in India.
Please note
Given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist. After any intravitreal injection, seek help IMMEDIATELY if you develop increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light or a drop in vision — these can be signs of a serious infection (endophthalmitis). Not currently approved or routinely available in India — included for reference; ask your ophthalmologist about approved alternatives.
Precautions & side effects
GB-102 (Sunitinib depot) is an investigational medicine, which means it is still undergoing clinical trials and is not yet approved or routinely available for use. Therefore, specific precautions and safety information are still being gathered. However, as with any intravitreal injection, there are important general precautions to be aware of:
- Injection Procedure: The medicine is given as an injection inside the eye by a retina specialist. This procedure requires a sterile environment and skilled hands to minimise risks.
- Immediate Medical Attention: After any intravitreal injection, it is critical to seek medical help IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Increasing pain in the eye
- Increasing redness of the eye
- Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- A noticeable drop or change in your vision
These symptoms can be signs of a serious eye infection called endophthalmitis, which requires urgent treatment to prevent severe vision loss.
- Investigational Status: GB-102 is not currently approved or routinely available in India. It is included here for reference. If you are seeking treatment for Wet AMD, please discuss approved and available alternatives with your ophthalmologist.
- High Warning Level: Due to its investigational nature and the potential risks associated with intravitreal injections, this medicine carries a high warning level. Always discuss all potential risks and benefits thoroughly with your doctor.
Understanding Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD)
Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration, or Wet AMD, is a common eye condition that affects the macula, the small, central part of your retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye that sends images to your brain. The macula is responsible for your sharp, central vision, which you use for tasks like reading, recognising faces, and driving. In Wet AMD, abnormal and fragile blood vessels start to grow under the macula. These vessels are leaky and can release fluid, blood, or lipids (fats) into the macula, causing damage to the light-sensing cells. This leakage leads to blurred vision, distorted vision (where straight lines appear wavy), and blind spots in your central field of vision. If left untreated, Wet AMD can cause significant and permanent vision loss. It is crucial to have regular eye check-ups, especially if you are over 50, to detect AMD early. Your ophthalmologist can diagnose Wet AMD through a comprehensive eye exam, including a dilated eye exam, optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans, and fluorescein angiography.
While there is no cure for Wet AMD, various treatments are available to manage the condition and prevent further vision loss. These treatments often involve medicines that target Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes the growth of abnormal blood vessels. These anti-VEGF medicines help to reduce the leakage and growth of these vessels. Early detection and consistent treatment are key to preserving your vision.
General Advice for Eye Injections and Eye Care
Since GB-102 (Sunitinib depot) is given as an intravitreal injection, it’s important to understand general eye care practices, especially around such procedures. An intravitreal injection is a medical procedure where medicine is injected directly into the vitreous humour, the jelly-like substance that fills the centre of your eye. This allows the medicine to reach the retina directly and work effectively. The procedure is performed by a retina specialist in a sterile environment to minimise the risk of infection. Before the injection, your eye will be numbed with anaesthetic eye drops, and antiseptic solution will be used to clean the area around your eye. You might feel some pressure during the injection, but it should not be painful. After the injection, your vision might be blurry for a short while, and you might feel a mild foreign body sensation or irritation. It is normal to see small floaters or specks in your vision immediately after the injection, which usually resolve quickly. Your doctor will provide specific post-injection instructions, which may include avoiding rubbing your eye, using prescribed eye drops, and avoiding strenuous activities for a short period. Always follow these instructions carefully.
Maintaining Eye Health and Knowing When to Seek Help
Maintaining good eye hygiene is vital, especially after any eye procedure. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or applying any eye drops. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can introduce germs and potentially cause irritation or infection. Store any prescribed eye drops or medicines as directed by your doctor, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not share your eye drops with anyone else, as this can spread infections. If you wear contact lenses, your doctor will advise you on when it is safe to resume wearing them after an injection.
It is extremely important to be vigilant for any signs of complications after an eye injection. While rare, serious infections like endophthalmitis can occur. As mentioned in the precautions, if you experience increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or a sudden drop in your vision, you must contact your ophthalmologist or seek emergency medical help immediately. These symptoms are not normal and require urgent attention. Regular follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist are crucial to monitor your eye condition and the effectiveness of the treatment. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor any questions or voice any concerns you may have about your treatment or eye health.
Frequently asked questions
What is GB-102 (Sunitinib depot) used for?
GB-102 (Sunitinib depot) is an investigational medicine being studied for the treatment of Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD), a serious eye condition that can cause vision loss.
How does GB-102 (Sunitinib depot) work?
GB-102 (Sunitinib depot) is an injectable medicine that forms a depot inside the eye, slowly releasing a medicine called sunitinib over several months. Sunitinib is a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor that helps to block the growth and leakage of abnormal blood vessels in the eye, which are responsible for Wet AMD.
What are the common Indian brands for GB-102 (Sunitinib depot)?
GB-102 (Sunitinib depot) is an investigational medicine and does not currently have any retail brands available in India. It is not approved or routinely available for use.
How is GB-102 (Sunitinib depot) administered?
GB-102 (Sunitinib depot) is given as an intravitreal injection, meaning it is injected directly into the eye by a retina specialist. In clinical trials, it is being investigated for dosing approximately every six months.
Do I need a prescription for GB-102 (Sunitinib depot)?
Yes, if it were to become available, GB-102 (Sunitinib depot) would require a prescription from an ophthalmologist, as it is an investigational medicine given as an injection inside the eye by a specialist. However, it is not currently approved or routinely available in India.
What are the key precautions for GB-102 (Sunitinib depot)?
GB-102 (Sunitinib depot) is investigational. As with any intravitreal injection, a key precaution is to seek immediate medical help if you develop increasing pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or a drop in vision after the injection, as these can be signs of a serious infection (endophthalmitis). It is not currently approved or routinely available in India.
References
- Diabetic Retinopathy – National Eye Institute
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
- StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.