Faricimab to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration: perspective
Keywords:
Antibodies, bispecific, Faricimab, Intravitreal injections, Visual acuity, Wet macular degenerationAbstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a major cause of vision loss in older adults. Neovascularization is caused by angiogenic mechanisms of the angiopoietin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways. Standard treatments for nAMD target the VEGF pathway, but the efficacy of single-target anti-VEGF agents is limited by angiopoietin. Some patients may respond inadequately. Faricimab is a bispecific antibody targeting VEGF-A and angiopoietin-2. Its efficacy and safety have been illustrated in the TENAYA, LUCERNE, and TRUCKEE studies. Compared with aflibercept 2 mg, faricimab 6 mg demonstrated rapid best-corrected visual acuity gains and central subfield thickness reductions. A larger proportion of patients did not develop subretinal fluid during the loading phase. Faricimab is well tolerated with a risk-benefit profile comparable to the standard anti-VEGF treatment. Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the European Society of Retina Specialists recommend early diagnostic imaging and examinations for timely treatment of nAMD. Faricimab is an efficacious, well-tolerated, and long-acting treatment option for nAMD, with the potential for long-term cost savings.
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