Real world efficacy and durability of faricimab in patients with neovascular AMD (nAMD) who had sub-optimal response to prior anti-VEGF therapy.

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a primary cause of blindness, with neovascular AMD (nAMD) presenting particular treatment challenges. Despite anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies, many patients exhibit a suboptimal response to the previously available anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies. This study evaluates the efficacy and treatment interval extension of faricimab in this patient cohort.
Methods: In a retrospective single-centre study at University Hospitals of Bristol and Weston, UK, nAMD patients suboptimally responsive to previous anti-VEGF therapies were switched to faricimab. Treatment started with an initiation phase of 4 monthly injections followed by a 'Treat and Extend' protocol. Outcomes included best-recorded visual acuity (BRVA), central subfield thickness (CST), the presence of retinal fluid, and treatment intervals.
Results: Among 98 eyes of 79 patients, following faricimab treatment, significant reductions in CST and retinal fluid were noted, indicating decreased disease activity. While BRVA changes were not statistically significant, the anatomical improvements suggest a potential therapeutic benefit. Notably, 40% of patients achieved extended treatment intervals, reducing the treatment burden.
Conclusion: Faricimab offers a promising alternative for nAMD patients with suboptimal responses to prior anti-VEGF treatments, demonstrating significant anatomical improvements and the possibility of extended dosing intervals. These findings highlight the need for prospective real-world studies to further assess faricimab's role in nAMD management and its long-term impact on patient outcomes.
(© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The Royal College of Ophthalmologists.)