Comparison of 1-year outcomes after switching to faricimab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration previously treated with anti-VEGF agents with/without a loading phase.

PURPOSE

To compare the 1-year outcomes after switching to faricimab with/without a loading phase of three monthly injections followed by a treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration previously treated with anti-VEGF agents.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective consecutive case study.

METHODS

Eyes with persistent exudative changes despite injection intervals of 10 weeks or less were switched to faricimab between June 2022 and December 2023 and included in this study. All eyes switched to faricimab between June 2022 and June 2023 received a single injection followed by a treat and extend (TAE) regimen (group 1). Thereafter, all eyes switched to faricimab received three consecutive monthly injections followed by a TAE regimen (group 2).

RESULTS

Of 153 eyes switched to faricimab, 21 eyes (17 in group 1, four in group 2) were excluded because of discontinuation of faricimab due to persistent exudative changes despite bimonthly injections; 132 eyes of 132 patients were analyzed. Faricimab treatment significantly improved the best-corrected visual acuity, anatomic parameters, with extended injection interval 1 year after the switch in 132 eyes and 45 eyes of group 2. That improvement, except the injection interval in 87 eyes of group 1, did not reach significance. The injection interval in group 2 was extended significantly compared with group 1 (P=0.023).

CONCLUSION

Switching to faricimab with a loading phase followed by a TAE regimen may improve outcomes in previously treated eyes. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings.