Rationale and Design of VOYAGER: Long-term Outcomes of Faricimab and Port Delivery System with Ranibizumab for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Macular Edema in Clinical Practice

Purpose

To describe the rationale and design of the VOYAGER (NCT05476926) study, which aims to investigate the safety and effectiveness of faricimab and the Port Delivery System with ranibizumab (PDS) for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) or diabetic macular edema (DME) in clinical practice. VOYAGER also aims to understand drivers of clinical practice treatment outcomes by gaining novel insight into the intersection of treatment regimens, decisions, anatomic outcomes, and vision.

Design

Primary data collection, noninterventional, prospective, multinational, multicenter clinical practice study.

Participants

At least 5000 patients initiating/continuing faricimab or PDS for nAMD/DME (500 sites, 31 countries).

Methods

Management will be per usual care, with no mandated scheduled visits/imaging protocol requirements. Using robust methodologies, relevant clinical and ophthalmic data, including visual acuity (VA), and data on treatment clinical setting/regimens/philosophies, presence of anatomic features, and safety events will be collected. Routinely collected fundus images will be uploaded to the proprietary Imaging Platform for analysis. An innovative investigator interface will graphically display the patient treatment journey with the aim of optimizing treatment decisions.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary end point: VA change from baseline at 12 months per study cohort (faricimab in nAMD and in DME, PDS in nAMD). Secondary end points: VA change over time and per treatment regimens (fixed, treat-and-extend, pro re nata, and other) and number. Exploratory end points: VA change in relation to presence/location of anatomic features that impact vision (fluid, central subfield thickness, fibrosis, atrophy, subretinal hyperreflective material, diabetic retinopathy severity, and disorganization of retinal inner layers) and per treatment regimen/philosophies. The impact of regional and practice differences on outcomes will be assessed as will safety.

Results

Recruitment commenced in November 2022 and will continue until late 2027, allowing for up to 5 years follow-up. Exploratory interim analyses are planned annually.

Conclusions

VOYAGER is an innovative study of retinal diseases that will assess the effectiveness and safety of faricimab and PDS in nAMD and DME and identify clinician- and disease-related factors driving treatment outcomes in clinical practices globally to help optimize vision outcomes.

Financial Disclosures

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

One-year visual and anatomical outcomes of intravitreal faricimab injection for neovascular age-related macular degeneration after prior brolucizumab treatment

This single-center retrospective cohort study analyzed the 1-year real-world treatment outcomes of 63 consecutive eyes (of 60 patients) with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) that were switched from intravitreal brolucizumab (IVBr) to intravitreal faricimab (IVF) and managed on a treat-and-extend regimen with discontinuation criteria. After the switch, patients opted to continue IVF, to switch back to IVBr, or receive photodynamic therapy (PDT). Thirty-eight patients continued IVF, 16 patients were switched back to IVBr, 2 patients received PDT, and 4 patients paused treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CST), subfoveal choroidal thickness (sf-CT), and injection intervals were compared immediately before and 1 year after the initial IVF. Whereas there was no change in BCVA and CST; 0 [- 0.0969 to 0.125, P = 0.58], - 1.5 [- 27.8 to 13.5, P = 0.11] µm, respectively, sf-CT decreased significantly; - 19.5 [- 45.5 to 7.75, P = 0.015] µm. The patients switched back showed no significant change in sf-CT. The injection interval extended significantly in the IVF continuation and the switch-back group (2.0 and 3.0 weeks, respectively; [P = 0.0007 and 0.0078]) in eyes with a pre-switching interval of less than 12 weeks. Faricimab shows promise as a safe and effective alternative to brolucizumab for treating nAMD.

Short-term outcomes of intravitreal faricimab for refractory neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To assess the short-term outcomes of intravitreal faricimab (IVF) for previously treated refractory neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in a real-world setting.

METHODS

A retrospective monocentric study including 44 eyes treated with an upload of 4 × monthly intravitreal injections (IVI) of faricimab 6 mg/0.05 mL and followed for 4 weeks after last IVI (16 W). Patients were switched to IVF after treatment with at least three other anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF). Main outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and retinal fluid distribution.

RESULTS

44 eyes of 44 patients with previously treated refractory nAMD (63% males) were included. Mean age was 79 ± 7 years. The total number of previous anti-VEGF before switching to IVF was 32 ± 15 IVIs/eye. BCVA (logMAR) improved significantly from 0.65 ± 0.26 to 0.50 ± 0.23 at 16 W (p < 0.01). CMT (µm) decreased significantly from 422 ± 68 to 362 ± 47 at 16 W (p < 0.01). SFCT did not change significantly at 16 W (p = 0.06). The number of eyes with subretinal fluid (SRF) decreased significantly from 29 (65%) to 13 (29%) at 16 W (p = 0.001). There were no significant changes regarding the distribution of intraretinal fluid or pigment epithelial detachment (p > 0.05). A complete fluid resolution was achieved in 8 eyes (18%). No adverse events were noticed.

CONCLUSION

In the short term, IVF led to a significant decrease in CMT as well as a significant improvement of BCVA and thus appears to be an effective treatment option for previously treated refractory nAMD without relevant adverse effects.

Cardiovascular Outcomes with Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy in Patients with Diabetes: A Real-World Data Analysis

BACKGROUND

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy is commonly used intravitreally for diabetic proliferative retinopathy, but when used systemically for treating cancers, an excess of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events has been noted. The latter is of concern for people with diabetes, who are at higher risk of CVD. This study aims to explore the relationship between incident CVD and intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy in patients with diabetes, compared to other therapies, using a large real-world global federated dataset.

METHODS

Data were analysed using TriNetX, a global electronic medical real-world ecosystem. The study included adults with diabetes and excluded those with a history of CVD prior to the time window of data extraction. Patients were categorised into two cohorts: anti-VEGF therapy or control cohort (laser or steroid therapies). The cohorts were 1:1 propensity score-matched for age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, HbA1c, and cardiovascular medications. Outcomes analysed at 1, 6 and 12 months were: (1) mortality; (2) acute myocardial infarction (MI); (3) cerebral infarction; and (4) heart failure. Relative risk analyses were performed using the built-in R statistical computing platform on TriNetX.

RESULTS

In patients with diabetes (n = 2205; mean age 58.8 ± 15.8, Std diff 0.05; 56% male), anti-VEGF therapy was associated with a numerical but non-statistically significant increased CVD risk over 1, 6, and 12 months: Mortality over 1 month (RR 1; 95% CI 0.42, 2.40), 6 months (RR 1.46; 95% CI 0.72, 2.95) and 12 months (RR 1.41; 95% CI 0.88, 2.27). There was no excess of acute MI over 1 (RR n/a: not applicable; 0/0: 0 events in the anti-VEGF group/0 events in the control group), 6 and 12 months (RR n/a; 0/10 events); cerebral infarction over 1, 6 months (RR n/a; 0/0 events), and 12 months (RR n/a; 0/10); and heart failure over 1 month (RR n/a; 0/0 events), 6 months (RR 1; 95% CI 0.42, 2.40) and 12 months (RR 1; 95% CI 0.42, 2.34).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no statistically significant risk of cardiovascular-related events in the short or medium term in patients with diabetes who received intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, despite a small increase in the number of CVD events. Our study supports the real-world safety of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy in patients with diabetes free of baseline CVD.

Intravitreal faricimab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration previously treated with traditional anti-VEGF compounds: a real-world prospective study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy, safety and durability of intravitreal faricimab in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) with unsatisfactory response to traditional anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents.

METHODS

Single-centre, prospective cohort study of all consecutive patients with nAMD who were switched to intravitreal faricimab from intravitreal ranibizumab or aflibercept, due to unsatisfactory treatment response (maximal fluid-free interval ≤ 8 weeks). Intravitreal faricimab was administered with a loading dose of four 4-weekly injections, followed by an 8-week extension. A treat and extend (T&E) regime was adopted thereafter. Primary outcome was the difference between the maximal fluid-free interval achieved with faricimab, and the one achieved before the switch. Morpho-functional outcomes were also assessed. Secondary outcome was accordance with clinical management when applying faricimab pivotal trial criteria versus our real-world T&E protocol, measured as a proportion.

RESULTS

Twenty-six eyes of 26 patients with a median age of 82 years (range 77-85) were included. Patients were followed for 30.2 weeks (range 26.3-33.1). Maximal fluid-free interval after switch to faricimab (Mdn = 6.0 weeks; IQR = 4-8) was longer than the maximum interval before the switch (Mdn = 4.0 weeks; IQR = 4-4), p < 0.001. Comparing real-world T&E protocol with pivotal trial criteria, 8 (30.8%) eyes received the same clinical management while 18 (69.2%) eyes were kept at a shorter interval when following our T&E protocol. No serious adverse events were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Faricimab appears to increase the fluid-free interval and allow extension of dosing interval in patients with nAMD poorly responsive to traditional anti-VEGF drugs.

Clinical Outcomes of Faricimab in Patients with Previously Treated Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

PURPOSE

To assess the anatomic and functional outcomes in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) previously treated with anti-VEGF therapy in response to intravitreal faricimab.

DESIGN

Retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series.

SUBJECTS

Patients with previously treated nAMD who received ≥ 4 consecutive injections of faricimab were included. The study period was from March through November 2022.

METHODS

Clinical and imaging data were extracted from the electronic medical record. Central foveal thickness (CFT), maximum fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment (fvPED) height, and Snellen visual acuity (VA) were obtained. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the change in CFT, maximum fvPED height, and logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Change in CFT, maximum fvPED height, and Snellen VA before faricimab and after ≥ 4 faricimab intravitreal injections.

RESULTS

During the study period, 218 eyes of 191 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 79.9 (range, 70.6-89.2) years. The mean number of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections received before faricimab was 34.2 (range, 6.4-62). The following results were found after ≥ 4 faricimab injections. Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA before switching to faricimab was 0.58 (Snellen VA ∼20/76; range, 20/22-20/264) and was 0.55 (Snellen VA ∼20/71; range, 20/21-20/235; P = 0.20) after switching. Mean maximum fvPED height was 195.0 (range, 50.2-339.8) μm before switching to faricimab and improved to 165.0 (range, 33.6-296.4; P < 0.001) μm after switching. Mean CFT was 354.8 (range, 184.7-524.9) μm before switching to faricimab and improved to 306.6 (range, 144.4-468.8; P < 0.001) after switching. The proportion of eyes with intraretinal fluid was 36.7% (80/218 eyes) before switching, and decreased to 24.8% (54/218 eyes, P < 0.001) after switching. The proportion of eyes with subretinal fluid was 53.2% (116/218 eyes) before switching and decreased to 26.6% (58/218 eyes, P < 0.001) after switching.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravitreal faricimab may improve anatomic outcomes in patients with previously treated nAMD, while maintaining VA in the short-term.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Global experience of faricimab in clinical settings - a review

INTRODUCTION

Faricimab is a bispecific antibody that acts to reduce neoangiogenesis in exudative retinal vascular disorders. It is approved for use in neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. We review the published efficacy and safety of faricimab in clinical settings.

AREAS COVERED

A comprehensive literature review was conducted. Based on the 14 published real-world studies, 1127 patients (1204 eyes) were treated with faricimab. The majority of studies (14) included pre-treated patients. Most studies (13) showed central macular thickness improvement. However visual acuity improved in only half of the studies analyzed. Four studies demonstrated an extension of the treatment. Only 4 eyes (0.33%) reported intraocular inflammation and 3 eyes (0.24%) reported retinal pigment epithelial tear.

EXPERT OPINION

The clinical experience with faricimab to date has the potential to provide a stable visual outcome with reduced treatment burden in cases that are resistant to other approved anti-VEGF agents. There are no major safety concerns based on this data analysis.

One-year results of treat-and-extend regimen with intravitreal faricimab for treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To evaluate 1-year outcomes of loading phase treatment followed by maintenance therapy using a treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen with intravitreal faricimab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective, interventional case series.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 40 eyes of 38 consecutive patients with treatment-naïve nAMD, assessing best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), foveal thickness, central choroidal thickness (CCT), total number of injections over 1 year, and intended injection interval at the last visit.

RESULTS

Thirty eyes (75.0%) had completed the 1-year intravitreal faricimab treatment. Their BCVA showed significant improvement, with significant reductions in foveal thickness and CCT. The total number of injections during the 1-year treatment period was 6.6 ± 0.7. The intended injection interval at the last visit was 12.7 ± 3.3 weeks. Of the 10 eyes (25.0%) failing to complete the 1-year faricimab treatment, 1 eye developed intraocular inflammation after the loading phase treatment but showed no recurrence of exudative changes, and no further treatment was required. Moreover, 5 eyes switched to intravitreal brolucizumab injection due to persistent exudative changes with an 8-week interval of faricimab injections. The remaining 4 eyes either dropped out or the patient died.

CONCLUSIONS

A loading phase treatment followed by a TAE regimen with intravitreal faricimab appears to be generally safe and effective for improving visual acuity and ameliorating exudative changes in eyes with nAMD. However, there might be cases in which exudative changes cannot be adequately controlled with injections of faricimab every 8 weeks in the maintenance phase.

Machine Learning to Predict Faricimab Treatment Outcome in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose

To develop machine learning (ML) models to predict, at baseline, treatment outcomes at month 9 in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) receiving faricimab.

Design

Retrospective proof of concept study.

Participants

Patients enrolled in the phase II AVENUE trial (NCT02484690) of faricimab in nAMD.

Methods

Baseline characteristics and spectral domain-OCT (SD-OCT) image data from 185 faricimab-treated eyes were split into 80% training and 20% test sets at the patient level. Input variables were baseline age, sex, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CST), low luminance deficit, treatment arm, and SD-OCT images. A regression problem (BCVA) and a binary classification problem (reduction of CST by 35%) were considered. Overall, 10 models were developed and tested for each problem. Benchmark classical ML models (linear, random forest, extreme gradient boosting) were trained on baseline characteristics; benchmark deep neural networks (DNNs) were trained on baseline SD-OCT B-scans. Baseline characteristics and SD-OCT data were merged using 2 approaches: model stacking (using DNN prediction as an input feature for classical ML models) and model averaging (which averaged predictions from the DNN using SD-OCT volume and from classical ML models using baseline characteristics).

Main Outcome Measures

Treatment outcomes were defined by 2 target variables: functional (BCVA letter score) and anatomical (percent decrease in CST from baseline) outcomes at month 9.

Results

The best-performing BCVA regression model with respect to the test coefficient of determination (R2) was the linear model in the model-stacking approach with R2 of 0.31. The best-performing CST classification model with respect to test area under receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) was the benchmark linear model with AUROC of 0.87. A post hoc analysis showed the baseline BCVA and the baseline CST had the most effect in the all-model prediction for BCVA regression and CST classification, respectively.

Conclusions

Promising signals for predicting treatment outcomes from baseline characteristics were detected; however, the predictive benefit of baseline images was unclear in this proof-of-concept study. Further testing and validation with larger, independent datasets is required to fully explore the predictive capacity of ML models using baseline imaging data.

Financial Disclosures

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Short-term outcomes of treatment switch to faricimab in patients with aflibercept-resistant neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To report short-term outcomes of treatment switch to faricimab in real-world patients with aflibercept-resistant neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

Single-center, retrospective cohort study with chart-review using electronic injection database, electronic medical records, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) data from May to September 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 50 eyes of 46 patients were analyzed. Faricimab treatment led to absence of fluid in 32% of the eyes and a reduction of fluid in 84% of the eyes. There was a statistically significant decrease in central retinal thickness (CRT) and pigment epithelial detachment (PED) height in those that responded to the switch (median difference: - 31 μm, IQR: 55, p < 0.0001 and median difference: - 21 μm, IQR: 36, p < 0.0001, respectively) and a statistically significant increase in CRT (median difference: + 19 μm, IQR: 20, p = 0.0143) and no change in PED height (median difference: + 22 μm, IQR: 64, p = 0.1508) in those that did not. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) showed marginal decrease with low statistical significance. No ocular or systemic safety events were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that switching to faricimab is generally safe and effective in patients with neovascular AMD who are otherwise difficult to treat and have residual fluid despite frequent injections with aflibercept. We observed a high rate of morphological response to the treatment switch, improvement of anatomical parameters with about one-third of patients having dry macula following a single injection, and a marginal change in BCVA. Sustainability of these results requires further investigation.

STUDY REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT06124677. Date of registration: 09/11/2023, retrospectively registered.

TENAYA and LUCERNE: Two-Year Results from the Phase 3 Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Trials of Faricimab with Treat-and-Extend Dosing in Year 2

PURPOSE

To evaluate 2-year efficacy, durability, and safety of the bispecific antibody faricimab, which inhibits both angiopoietin-2 and VEGF-A.

DESIGN

TENAYA (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03823287) and LUCERNE (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03823300) were identically designed, randomized, double-masked, active comparator-controlled phase 3 noninferiority trials.

PARTICIPANTS

Treatment-naive patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) 50 years of age or older.

METHODS

Patients were randomized (1:1) to intravitreal faricimab 6.0 mg up to every 16 weeks (Q16W) or aflibercept 2.0 mg every 8 weeks (Q8W). Faricimab fixed dosing based on protocol-defined disease activity at weeks 20 and 24 up to week 60, followed up to week 108 by a treat-and-extend personalized treatment interval regimen.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Efficacy analyses included change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline at 2 years (averaged over weeks 104, 108, and 112) and proportion of patients receiving Q16W, every 12 weeks (Q12W), and Q8W dosing at week 112 in the intention-to-treat population. Safety analyses included ocular adverse events (AEs) in the study eye through study end at week 112.

RESULTS

Of 1326 patients treated across TENAYA/LUCERNE, 1113 (83.9%) completed treatment (n = 555 faricimab; n = 558 aflibercept). The BCVA change from baseline at 2 years was comparable between faricimab and aflibercept groups in TENAYA (adjusted mean change, +3.7 letters [95% confidence interval (CI), +2.1 to +5.4] and +3.3 letters [95% CI, +1.7 to +4.9], respectively; mean difference, +0.4 letters [95% CI, -1.9 to +2.8]) and LUCERNE (adjusted mean change, +5.0 letters [95% CI, +3.4 to +6.6] and +5.2 letters [95% CI, +3.6 to +6.8], respectively; mean difference, -0.2 letters [95% CI, -2.4 to +2.1]). At week 112 in TENAYA and LUCERNE, 59.0% and 66.9%, respectively, achieved Q16W faricimab dosing, increasing from year 1, and 74.1% and 81.2%, achieved Q12W or longer dosing. Ocular AEs in the study eye were comparable between faricimab and aflibercept groups in TENAYA (55.0% and 56.5% of patients, respectively) and LUCERNE (52.9% and 47.5% of patients, respectively) through week 112.

CONCLUSIONS

Treat-and-extend faricimab treatment based on nAMD disease activity maintained vision gains through year 2, with most patients achieving extended dosing intervals.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Comparison of functional and morphologic changes between brolucizumab and faricimab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare functional and morphologic changes in the loading phase between patients with treatment-naïve macular neovascularization (MNV) due to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with either intravitreal brolucizumab (IVBr) or intravitreal faricimab (IVF) injections in a clinical setting.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 92 consecutive eyes of 90 patients with neovascular nAMD who were scheduled to receive IVBr (42 eyes of 41 patients) or IVF (50 eyes of 49 patients) injections between October 2021 and December 2022. All patients received three consecutive monthly injections of 6.0 mg/0.05 mL brolucizumab or 6.0 mg/0.05 mL faricimab. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), and central choroidal thickness (CCT) at baseline and 1, 2, and 4 months after the initial treatment were measured and compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven eyes in IVBr group and forty-seven eyes in IVF group who finished treatments in the loading phase were assessed at the follow-up examination. The BCVA, CFT, and CCT changed significantly after loading phase in both groups (P < 0.05 for both comparisons). The IVBr group had more rapid improvement of the BCVA (P = 0.037) at 1 month than the IVF group, but there was no difference at 4 months (P = 0.367). The CFT and CCT decreases tended to be greater in the IVBr group than in the IVF group throughout the follow-up period. Of the five eyes excluded from the IVBr group, one eye (2.4%) each had intraocular inflammation (IOI) and was a non-responder, and two eyes (4.8%) had retinal pigment epithelial tears after treatment. Of the three eyes excluded from the IVF group, two eyes (4.0%) did not respond to the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Both IVBr and IVF injections were well-tolerated and improved the VA in treatment-naïve patients with MNV due to nAMD after a loading phase, although IVBr caused a trend toward faster visual improvements in the BCVA. The IVBr group also had greater reductions of the CFT and CCT than the IVF group. However, the potential for adverse events and no response to treatment with each drug are considerations.

Efficacy and Safety of Faricimab for Macular Edema due to Retinal Vein Occlusion: 24-Week Results from the BALATON and COMINO Trials

PURPOSE

To evaluate the 24-week efficacy and safety of the dual angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A inhibitor faricimab versus aflibercept in patients with vein occlusion.

DESIGN

Phase 3, global, randomized, double-masked, active comparator-controlled trials: BALATON/COMINO (ClincalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT04740905/NCT04740931; sites: 149/192).

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with treatment-naïve foveal center-involved macular edema resulting from branch (BALATON) or central or hemiretinal (COMINO) RVO.

METHODS

Patients were randomized 1:1 to faricimab 6.0 mg or aflibercept 2.0 mg every 4 weeks for 24 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary end point: change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline to week 24. Efficacy analyses included patients in the intention-to-treat population. Safety analyses included patients who received ≥ 1 doses of study drug.

RESULTS

Enrollment: BALATON, n = 553; COMINO, n = 729. The BCVA gains from the baseline to week 24 with faricimab were noninferior versus aflibercept in BALATON (adjusted mean change, +16.9 letters [95.03% confidence interval (CI), 15.7-18.1 letters] vs. +17.5 letters [95.03% CI, 16.3-18.6 letters]) and COMINO (+16.9 letters [95.03% CI, 15.4-18.3 letters] vs. +17.3 letters [95.03% CI, 15.9-18.8 letters]). Adjusted mean central subfield thickness reductions from the baseline were comparable for faricimab and aflibercept at week 24 in BALATON (-311.4 μm [95.03% CI, -316.4 to -306.4 μm] and -304.4 μm [95.03% CI, -309.3 to -299.4 μm]) and COMINO (-461.6 μm [95.03% CI, -471.4 to -451.9 μm] and -448.8 μm [95.03% CI, -458.6 to -439.0 μm]). A greater proportion of patients in the faricimab versus aflibercept arm achieved absence of fluorescein angiography-based macular leakage at week 24 in BALATON (33.6% vs. 21.0%; nominal P = 0.0023) and COMINO (44.4% vs. 30.0%; nominal P = 0.0002). Faricimab was well tolerated, with an acceptable safety profile comparable with aflibercept. The incidence of ocular adverse events was similar between patients receiving faricimab (16.3% [n = 45] and 23.0% [n = 84] in BALATON and COMINO, respectively) and aflibercept (20.4% [n = 56] and 27.7% [n = 100], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate the efficacy and safety of faricimab, a dual Ang-2/VEGF-A inhibitor, in patients with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Review of real-world evidence of dual inhibition of VEGF-A and ANG-2 with faricimab in NAMD and DME

Management of vitreoretinal disorders (e.g., neovascular age-related macular degeneration [nAMD] and diabetic macular edema [DME]) have assumed the standard therapy of lifelong anti-VEGF injections with drugs like aflibercept, brolucizumab, ranibizumab and bevacizumab. However, the burden imposed on patients is a major deterrent for continual therapy and recovery. Faricimab, a bispecific antibody, blocking both VEGF-A and Ang-2 molecules, produces a comparable functional and anatomical results, with less injections, significantly reducing patient burden. Visual acuity, safety, adverse effects, and anatomical outcomes are discussed in the pivotal clinical trials (YOSEMITE/RHINE and TENAYA/LUCERNE), and early data from real-world studies (TRUCKEE, TAHOE, FARWIDE-DME, FARETINA and others). In YOSEMITE and RHINE, faricimab demonstrated non-inferior vision gains, better anatomical outcomes compared to aflibercept every 8 weeks. Faricimab in the personalized treatment interval (PTI), after week 96, achieved 12-week interval in 78.1% of the patients and 16-week interval in 62.3%. TENAYA and LUCERNE reported comparable best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement and better anatomic outcomes during head-to-head phase, parallel to aflibercept, at its 8-week treatment schedule. Faricimab in the PTI regimen, after week 96 achieved 12-week interval in 77.8% of the patients and 16-week interval in 63.1%. Safety of faricimab has been comparable to aflibercept in these pivotal trials. Real-world data supports the data from the pivotal studies regarding the efficacy and safety profile of faricimab in heterogenous real world patient population. Moreover, in previously treated patients, it also demonstrated a faster fluid resolution, good safety profile. Considering faricimab has demonstrated anatomic and durability benefit in the treatment of nAMD and DME, additional data from ongoing extension clinical trials, AVONELLE-X and RHONE-X will help understand longer term outcomes for patients treated with faricimab as well as patients switching from aflibercept to faricimab after finishing the pivotal trials. Longer term data from the real-world studies will also continue to contribute to our understanding of long-term efficacy, safety and durability in the real world patient population.

Six-month outcomes of switching from aflibercept to faricimab in refractory cases of neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To assess 6-month outcomes of switching from aflibercept to faricimab in eyes with refractory neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) previously requiring monthly injections.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective study examined nAMD eyes receiving monthly aflibercept injections switched to faricimab administered monthly up to 4 injections followed by injections at a minimum of 2-month intervals as per drug labeling. Data regarding age, sex, number of previous injections, treatment intervals, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were collected. Central retinal thickness (CRT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and maximal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) height were measured by optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS

The study included 130 eyes of 124 patients. At 6 months, 53 eyes (40.8%) continued on faricimab treatment (Group 1), while 77 eyes (59.2%) discontinued faricimab for various reasons (Group 2) the most common being worse exudation. There were no significant differences between the two groups at baseline. In Group 1, CRT and SFCT significantly decreased at 1 month (P = 0.013 and 0.008), although statistical significance was lost at 6 months (P = 0.689 and 0.052). BCVA and maximal PED height showed no significant changes; however, mean treatment intervals were extended from 4.4 ± 0.5 weeks at baseline to 8.7 ± 1.7 weeks at 6 months (P < 0.001) in Group 1. No clear predictors of response were identified.

CONCLUSION

Switching from aflibercept to faricimab allowed for extension of treatment intervals from monthly to bimonthly in roughly 40% of eyes, suggesting that faricimab may be considered in refractory nAMD cases.

Short-Term Outcomes of Faricimab in Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration on Prior Anti-VEGF Therapy

PURPOSE

A subset of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) experience treatment burden and suboptimal response with anti-VEGF therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of switching to a novel, bispecific agent, faricimab, in patients with nAMD currently treated with anti-VEGF.

DESIGN

Retrospective, noncomparative cohort study.

SUBJECTS

Patients with nAMD previously treated with anti-VEGF and switched to intravitreal faricimab injection (IFI) at the Cleveland Clinic's Cole Eye Institute.

METHODS

Switching and administration schedule of IFI was at the discretion of the clinician. Visual acuity (VA) and macular OCT parameters, including central subfield thickness (CST), maximum pigment epithelial detachment (PED) height, and presence of subretinal (SRF) or intraretinal fluid (IRF), were assessed at baseline (day of first IFI) and after each IFI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Central subfield thickness and presence of IRF or SRF after ≥ 3 IFIs.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-six eyes of 106 patients were included in the analysis with a mean follow-up time of 24.3 ± 5.2 weeks. Before switching to IFI, patients received a mean of either aflibercept (20.0 ± 8.4, mean ± standard deviation), bevacizumab (7 ± 8.9), ranibizumab (1.9 ± 8.5), or brolucizumab (0.3 ± 1.6) injections. The most common agent used before switching to IFI was aflibercept (n = 110, 87%), and the mean treatment interval with any anti-VEGF was 5.6 ± 1.6 weeks before switching. Central subfield thickness was reduced from baseline after the first IFI (266.8 ± 64.7 vs. 249.8 ± 58.6 μm, P = 0.02) and persisted over the 3 IFIs (P = 0.01). Pigment epithelial detachment height was reduced after the third IFI (249.6 ± 179.0 vs. 206.9 ± 130.0 μm, P = 0.01). The mean VA (62.9 vs. 62.7 approximate ETDRS letters, P = 0.42) and interval between injections (6.3 vs. 5.7 weeks, P = 0.16) was similar after the third IFI compared with baseline. Eleven (8.7%) eyes were switched back to their previous anti-VEGF, including 2 (1.6%) eyes from 1 patient with intraocular inflammation requiring cessation of IFI. There were no other adverse events from switching.

CONCLUSIONS

Switching to faricimab resulted in a reduction in mean CST (-11.6 μm, P = 0.01) and PED height (-44.2 μm, P = 0.01) after 3 injections, with stable VA and at a similar treatment interval to prior anti-VEGF therapy.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Faricimab Treat-and-Extend for Diabetic Macular Edema: Two-Year Results from the Randomized Phase 3 YOSEMITE and RHINE Trials

PURPOSE

To evaluate the 2-year efficacy, durability, and safety of dual angiopoietin-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A pathway inhibition with intravitreal faricimab according to a personalized treat-and-extend (T&E)-based regimen with up to every-16-week dosing in the YOSEMITE and RHINE (ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers, NCT03622580 and NCT03622593, respectively) phase 3 trials of diabetic macular edema (DME).

DESIGN

Randomized, double-masked, noninferiority phase 3 trials.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults with visual acuity loss (best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA] of 25-73 letters) due to center-involving DME.

METHODS

Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to faricimab 6.0 mg every 8 weeks, faricimab 6.0 mg T&E (previously referred to as personalized treatment interval), or aflibercept 2.0 mg every 8 weeks. The T&E up to every-16-week dosing regimen was based on central subfield thickness (CST) and BCVA change.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Included changes from baseline in BCVA and CST, number of injections, durability, absence of fluid, and safety through week 100.

RESULTS

In YOSEMITE and RHINE (n = 940 and 951, respectively), noninferior year 1 visual acuity gains were maintained through year 2; mean BCVA change from baseline at 2 years (weeks 92, 96, and 100 average) with faricimab every 8 weeks (YOSEMITE and RHINE, +10.7 letters and +10.9 letters, respectively) or T&E (+10.7 letters and +10.1 letters, respectively) were comparable with aflibercept every 8 weeks (+11.4 letters and +9.4 letters, respectively). The median number of study drug injections was lower with faricimab T&E (YOSEMITE and RHINE, 10 and 11 injections, respectively) versus faricimab every 8 weeks (15 injections) and aflibercept every 8 weeks (14 injections) across both trials during the entire study. In the faricimab T&E arms, durability was improved further during year 2, with > 60% of patients receiving every-16-week dosing and approximately 80% receiving every-12-week or longer dosing at week 96. Almost 80% of patients who achieved every-16-week dosing at week 52 maintained every-16-week dosing without an interval reduction through week 96. Mean CST reductions were greater (YOSEMITE/RHINE weeks 92/96/100 average: faricimab every 8 weeks -216.0/-202.6 µm, faricimab T&E -204.5/-197.1 µm, aflibercept every 8 weeks -196.3/-185.6 µm), and more patients achieved absence of DME (CST < 325 μm; YOSEMITE/RHINE weeks 92-100: faricimab every 8 weeks 87%-92%/88%-93%, faricimab T&E 78%-86%/85%-88%, aflibercept every 8 weeks 77%-81%/80%-84%) and absence of intraretinal fluid (YOSEMITE/RHINE weeks 92-100: faricimab every 8 weeks 59%-63%/56%-62%, faricimab T&E 43%-48%/45%-52%, aflibercept every 8 weeks 33%-38%/39%-45%) with faricimab every 8 weeks or T&E versus aflibercept every 8 weeks through year 2. Overall, faricimab was well tolerated, with a safety profile comparable with that of aflibercept.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically meaningful visual acuity gains from baseline, anatomic improvements, and extended durability with intravitreal faricimab up to every 16 weeks were maintained through year 2. Faricimab given as a personalized T&E-based dosing regimen supports the role of dual angiopoietin-2 and VEGF-A inhibition to promote vascular stability and to provide durable efficacy for patients with DME.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Comparative Efficacy, Durability and Safety of Faricimab in the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema: A Systematic Literature Review and Network Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

A systematic literature review (SLR) and network meta-analysis (NMA) were conducted to evaluate the comparative efficacy, durability and safety of faricimab, used in a Treat & Extend (T&E) regime with intervals up to every 16 weeks (Q16W), relative to other therapies currently in use for treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DME). Of particular interest were anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies applied in flexible dosing regimens such as Pro re nata (PRN) and T&E, which are the mainstay in clinical practice.

METHODS

An SLR identifying randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published before August 2021 was conducted, followed by a Bayesian NMA comparing faricimab T&E treatment to aflibercept, ranibizumab, bevacizumab, dexamethasone and laser therapy. Outcomes included in the analysis were change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), change in central subfield thickness (CST), injection frequency, ocular adverse events (AE) and all-cause discontinuation, all of which were evaluated at 12 months. Subgroup analyses including patients' naïve to anti-VEGF were conducted where feasible.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies identified in the SLR were included in the NMA. Most importantly for decision making in clinical practise, faricimab T&E was associated with a statistically greater (95% credible intervals exclude zero) and clinically meaningful decrease in retinal thickness compared to all other flexible dosing regimens (greater retinal drying by 55-125 microns). Anatomical outcomes determine treatment efficacy and retreatment of patients. The NMA also showed a statistically greater increase in mean change in BCVA for faricimab T&E vs. flexible regimens using ranibizumab and bevacizumab (increase of 4.4-4.8 letters) as well as a numerical improvement vs. aflibercept PRN (two letters, 95% credible intervals including zero). Accordingly, the injection frequency was numerically lower versus other treatments using flexible dosing regimens (decrease by 0.92-1.43 injections). The analyses also indicated that the safety profile of faricimab T&E was comparable to those of ranibizumab and aflibercept, which have well-established safety profiles, with similar results for the number of all-cause discontinuations.

CONCLUSION

Faricimab provides a new treatment option in DME with dual-pathway inhibition of VEGF and angiopoeitin-2 (Ang-2). To the authors' knowledge, this is the first indirect comparison of faricimab T&E in DME. The analyses indicate that faricimab T&E is associated with superior retinal drying along with numerically fewer injections compared to all other treatments given in flexible dosing regimens. It also showed superior visual acuity outcomes compared to ranibizumab and bevacizumab.

Outcomes of Treatment-Resistant Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Switched from Aflibercept to Faricimab

PURPOSE

Although previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of faricimab in treatment-naive patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), its outcomes in patients switched from aflibercept are less understood. This study aimed to assess clinical anatomical and functional outcomes of switching to faricimab in patients undergoing aflibercept intravitreal injections (IVIs) for nAMD with suboptimal response.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SUBJECTS

Patients with nAMD at a single tertiary care center who were switched from aflibercept to faricimab due to persistent suboptimal response.

METHODS

Patients had received a minimum of 6 consecutive IVIs of aflibercept and showed persistent presence of intraretinal (IRF) or subretinal fluid (SRF) on OCT despite receiving aflibercept at 4 or 6-weekly intervals at the time of the switch. Patients receiving 4-weekly aflibercept were switched with either 2 or 3 loading doses of 4-weekly faricimab injections. Regression models were used to identify predictors of clinical outcomes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual acuity, central macular thickness (CMT), and OCT parameters were assessed preswitch and postswitch.

RESULTS

Eighty-one eyes of 68 patients were included. The mean age was 79.1 years (standard deviation: 8.9), and females constituted 53% of cases. A statistically significant reduction in CMT was observed postswitch (P < 0.0001). The proportion of cases with IRF (P = 0.0219) and SRF (P < 0.000) decreased significantly. Overall clinical improvement on OCT was noted in 80% of patients. No significant improvement in ETDRS vision was observed. There was no evidence that switching regimen (2 vs. 3 loading doses) had an independent effect on clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Among patients with treatment-resistant nAMD, switching from aflibercept to faricimab may serve as a safe and effective option. Significant anatomical improvements were observed, with a trend toward visual stability. The loading regimen with 2 faricimab injections appeared to be sufficient for nonnaive patients. However, a longer follow-up and larger studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Pharmaceutical compounding and storage of faricimab in a syringe for intravitreal injection do not impair stability and bi-specific binding properties

BACKGROUND

Intravitreal injection (IVI) of antibody biologics is a key treatment approach in ophthalmology. Pharmaceutical compounding and storage of prefilled syringes for IVI must take place without impairing the structure and function of the biologics. This study investigated the effect of withdrawing and storing the therapeutic antibody faricimab (Vabysmo, Roche, Basel, Switzerland) in the Zero Residual silicone oil-free, 0.2-mL syringe (SJJ Solutions, The Hague, the Netherlands).

METHODS

To assess the effect of syringe withdrawal on faricimab, we compared samples from syringes prepared at day 0 with samples taken directly from faricimab vials. To assess the effect of syringe storage on faricimab, we kept prefilled syringes in the dark at 4 oC for 7, 14, or 37 days and compared samples from these syringes with day 0. We measured protein concentration (with spectrophotometry), stability and integrity (with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and melting temperature (Tm)), as well as binding of faricimab to its cognate antigens: vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) (with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)).

RESULTS

Faricimab migrated in line with its expected molecular mass under both reducing and non-reducing conditions for all time points when analyzed with SDS-PAGE, without any sign of degradation products or aggregation. The SEC elution profiles were identical for all time points. There were slight variations in Tm for different time points compared to day 0 but without consistent relationship with storage time. ELISA did not detect differences in VEGF-A or Ang-2 binding between time points, and faricimab did not bind the neonatal Fc receptor.

CONCLUSIONS

Withdrawal and storage of faricimab in syringes for up to day 37 did not impair the structure and bi-specific binding properties of the therapeutic antibody.

Investigation of satisfaction with short-term outcomes after switching to faricimab to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To investigate the outcomes and patient satisfaction at 6-months' follow-up after switching to faricimab to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) with a treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

METHODS

Forty-eight consecutive eyes (48 patients) were switched to faricimab to treat nAMD and followed for 6 months on a TAE regimen. The Macular Disease Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (MacTSQ) was administered to patients 6 months after the switch.

RESULTS

Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was maintained 6 months after the switch, while the mean (± standard error) central foveal thickness 6 months after the switch (272 ± 14 μm) decreased significantly compared to the time of the switch (372 ± 20 μm) (p < 0.001). The interval between injections 6 months after the switch was 10.45 ± 0.44 weeks, a significant extension from 6.72 ± 0.34 weeks at the switch (p = 0.002). The MacTSQ total score (58.8 ± 1.7) in eyes with a BCVA of 20/40 and better 6 months after the switch was significantly higher compared to that in eyes with a BCVA worse than 20/40 (48.2 ± 1.5) (p < 0.001). The MacTSQ total score (56.8 ± 1.8) in eyes in which a 4 weeks extension of the injection interval was achieved was significantly higher than (49.5 ± 1.9) in eyes without (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Switching to faricimab with a TAE regimen seems to maintain the BCVA and extend the injection interval in patients with nAMD, resulting in enhanced satisfaction.

Efficacy, durability, and safety of faricimab in patients from Asian countries with neovascular age-related macular degeneration: 1-Year subgroup analysis of the TENAYA and LUCERNE trials

PURPOSE

To evaluate 1-year efficacy, durability, and safety of faricimab among patients from Asian countries in the TENAYA/LUCERNE trials of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

METHODS

Treatment-naïve patients with nAMD were randomly assigned (1:1) to faricimab 6.0 mg up to every 16 weeks (Q16W), based on disease activity at weeks 20 and 24, or aflibercept 2.0 mg Q8W. The primary endpoint was change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline averaged over weeks 40, 44, and 48.

RESULTS

In the pooled TENAYA/LUCERNE trials, there were 120 (9.0%) and 1209 (91.0%) patients in the Asian (faricimab n = 61; aflibercept n = 59) and non-Asian country (faricimab n = 604; aflibercept n = 605) subgroups, respectively. In the Asian country subgroup, mean BCVA change from baseline at the primary endpoint visits was 7.1 (95% CI, 4.3-9.8) letters with faricimab and 7.2 (4.4-10.0) letters with aflibercept. In non-Asian country patients, mean vision gains were 6.1 (5.2-7.1) and 5.7 (4.8-6.7) letters with faricimab and aflibercept, respectively. At week 48, 59.6% of Asian country patients in the faricimab group achieved Q16W dosing (vs. 43.9% non-Asian) and 91.2% achieved ≥ Q12W dosing (vs. 77.5% non-Asian). Central subfield thickness reductions were similar between the subgroups, with meaningful and similar reductions from baseline observed at the primary endpoint visits and over time. Faricimab was well tolerated in both subgroups, with an acceptable safety profile.

CONCLUSION

Consistent with the global TENAYA/LUCERNE findings, faricimab up to Q16W showed sustained visual and anatomical benefits in patients with nAMD from Asian and non-Asian countries.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03823287 (TENAYA); NCT03823300 (LUCERNE). Date of registration: January 30, 2019.

Short-term outcomes of intravitreal faricimab for treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To investigate the efficacy and safety of loading phase treatment with 3 monthly intravitreal injections of faricimab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 16-week outcomes of 40 consecutive eyes of 38 patients with treatment-naïve nAMD. Three monthly injections of faricimab were administered to all eyes as a loading phase treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), foveal thickness, central choroidal thickness (CCT), and dry macula achievement were all assessed every 4 weeks. Moreover, the regression of polypoidal lesions was evaluated after the loading phase.

RESULTS

BCVA was 0.33 ± 0.41 at baseline and showed significant improvement to 0.22 ± 0.36 at week 16 (P < 0.01). Foveal thickness was 278 ± 116 µm at baseline, decreasing significantly to 173 ± 48 µm at week 16 (P < 0.01). CCT was 214 ± 98 µm at baseline, decreasing significantly to 192 ± 89 µm at week 16 (P < 0.01). Dry macula was achieved in 31 eyes (79.5%) at week 16. Indocyanine green angiography after the loading phase revealed complete regression of polypoidal lesions in 11 of 18 eyes (61.1%) with polypoidal lesions. One eye (2.5%) developed vitritis without visual loss at week 16.

CONCLUSION

Loading phase treatment with intravitreal faricimab appears to generally be safe and effective for improving visual acuity and reducing exudative changes in eyes with nAMD.

Efficacy, Durability and Safety of Faricimab in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Macular Oedema: Lessons Learned from Registration Trials

INTRODUCTION

This review aims to assess the efficacy, durability and safety of faricimab-a dual vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin 2 inhibitor-in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macula oedema (DMO). It summarises the findings of current studies on faricimab and discusses whether this new drug may fill a gap in current treatment options.

METHODS

We performed a search of the PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science and EMBASE databases for publications on faricimab between 29 November 2022 and 10 May 2023, and a search of ClinicalTrials.gov for the protocols on clinical trials for this review. We included clinical trials, case-control studies and observational studies.

RESULTS

In phase 3 trials of nAMD, the efficacy of faricimab was non-inferior to aflibercept (+ 5.8-6.6 vs. + 5.1-6.6 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] letters). At study end, 80% of faricimab-treated patients were on ≥ 12-week dosing intervals, and 44.9-45.7% of faricimab-treated patients were on 16-week dosing intervals. Total adverse events, as well as serious ocular adverse events, were comparable between groups. In phase 3 trials of DMO, efficacy of faricimab was non-inferior to aflibercept (+ 10.7-11.8 vs. + 10.3-10.9 ETDRS letters). At study end, > 70% of patients in the personalised treatment interval faricimab group were on ≥ 12-week dosing intervals, and 51-53% were on 16-week dosing intervals. Total adverse events were comparable between groups, although the rate of serious ocular adverse events was higher in the faricimab groups than in the aflibercept groups (1.9-3.1% vs. 0.6-1.9%, respectively). In real-world studies of treatment-resistant nAMD or DMO, faricimab demonstrated superior efficacy compared to aflibercept. In a real-world study of mostly previously treated nAMD, faricimab demonstrated some efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Faricimab demonstrated non-inferior to superior efficacy, strong durability and acceptable safety in treatment-naïve nAMD and mostly treatment-naïve DMO, as well as superior efficacy in treatment-resistant nAMD and DMO. However, further research is needed on faricimab in real-world settings.

Visual and Anatomical Outcomes After Initial Intravitreal Faricimab Injection for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Patients with Prior Treatment History

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of a single injection of intravitreal faricimab (IVF) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) who had a prior treatment history.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on a consecutive cohort of 80 eyes of 75 patients with nAMD who had a prior history of treatment with an injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CST), and central choroidal thickness (CCT) were compared before the initial IVF injection and after a treatment interval matching the previous duration.

RESULTS

Central choroidal thickness decreased significantly following the IVF injection, but there was no significant change in BCVA or CST. Mean (± standard deviation) BCVA changed from 0.34 ± 0.37 to 0.36 ± 0.40 (P = 0.29), CST changed from 242 ± 72 to 242 ± 82 µm (P = 0.99), and CCT changed from 189 ± 98 to 179 ± 97 µm (P < 0.0001). When the changes were evaluated according to the previous anti-VEGF agent administered, CCT was found to be significantly decreased by 8.7 ± 2.5 µm (P < 0.0001) in eyes previously treated with brolucizumab and by 13.1 ± 3.6 µm (P < 0.0001) in eyes previously treated with aflibercept. No adverse events were observed during the study period.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal faricimab injection is a safe and effective treatment for nAMD in terms of short-term outcomes. Further long-term study is necessary.

BALATON and COMINO: Phase III Randomized Clinical Trials of Faricimab for Retinal Vein Occlusion: Study Design and Rationale

Purpose

Dual inhibition of angiopoietin-2 and VEGF-A with faricimab (Vabysmo) offers excellent visual acuity gains with strong durability in patients with diabetic macular edema (ME) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The phase III BALATON/COMINO (NCT04740905/NCT04740931) trials will investigate the efficacy, safety, and durability of faricimab in patients with ME due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Design

Two identically designed global, randomized, double-masked, active comparator-controlled studies.

Participants

Anti-VEGF treatment-naive patients with branch, central, or hemiretinal RVO.

Methods

Patients were randomized to 6 monthly injections of faricimab 6.0 mg or aflibercept 2.0 mg. From weeks 24 to 72, all patients received faricimab 6.0 mg administered in up to 16-week intervals using an automated treatment algorithm to generate a treat-and-extend-based personalized treatment interval dosing regimen. Personalized treatment interval adjustments were based on changes in central subfield thickness (CST) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Main Outcome Measures

Primary end point was noninferiority of faricimab versus aflibercept in mean change from baseline in BCVA (week 24; noninferiority margin: 4 letters). Secondary end points (weeks 0-24) were mean change from baseline in BCVA, CST, and National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 composite score; proportion of patients gaining or avoiding loss of ≥ 15/≥ 10/≥ 5/> 0 letters. Secondary end points (weeks 24-72) were treatment durability (week 68); continuation of weeks 0 to 24 end points. Ocular/nonocular adverse events will be assessed.

Results

In total, 1282 patients across 22 countries were enrolled (BALATON, 553 patients, 149 centers; COMINO, 729 patients, 193 centers).

Conclusions

Using a novel automated interval algorithm, BALATON/COMINO will evaluate the efficacy and safety of faricimab for ME secondary to RVO and provide key insights into how to personalize treatment.

Financial Disclosures

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Efficacy, durability, and safety of faricimab up to every 16 weeks in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration: 1-year results from the Japan subgroup of the phase 3 TENAYA trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate the 1-year efficacy, durability, and safety of faricimab versus aflibercept in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) enrolled in the Japan subgroup of the TENAYA trial.

STUDY DESIGN

TENAYA (NCT03823287) was a global, phase 3, multicenter, randomized, active comparator-controlled, double-masked, noninferiority, parallel-group, 112-week trial. After completion of global enrollment, additional patients were enrolled in the Japan extension of TENAYA.

METHODS

Treatment-naïve patients aged ≥ 50 years with nAMD were randomized (1:1) to intravitreal faricimab 6 mg up to every 16 weeks (Q16W) after 4 initial Q4W doses based on disease activity at weeks 20 and 24 or aflibercept 2 mg Q8W after 3 initial Q4W doses. Primary endpoint was mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline averaged over weeks 40, 44, and 48. Anatomical/durability outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, 133 patients were included in the TENAYA Japan subgroup analysis (faricimab, n = 66; aflibercept, n = 67). The adjusted mean (95% confidence interval) BCVA changes were + 7.1 (4.6‒9.7) and + 7.7 (5.2‒10.1) letters in the faricimab and aflibercept treatment groups, respectively. At week 48, 66.1%, 22.6%, and 11.3% of patients in the faricimab group were on Q16W, Q12W, Q8W and dosing intervals, respectively. Ocular adverse event rates were similar between treatment groups (faricimab, n = 14 [21.2%] versus aflibercept, n = 17 [25.4%]).

CONCLUSION

The TENAYA Japan subgroup analysis showed that faricimab up to Q16W had sustained efficacy with an acceptable safety profile. These findings are consistent with the global TENAYA and LUCERNE findings.

Efficacy, durability, and safety of faricimab with extended dosing up to every 16 weeks in Japanese patients with diabetic macular edema: 1-year results from the Japan subgroup of the phase 3 YOSEMITE trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate efficacy, durability, and safety of faricimab in Japanese patients with diabetic macular edema (DME).

STUDY DESIGN

Subgroup analysis of 2 global, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, active-comparator-controlled, phase 3 trials (YOSEMITE, NCT03622580; RHINE, NCT03622593).

METHODS

Patients with DME were randomized 1:1:1 to intravitreal faricimab 6.0 mg every 8 weeks (Q8W), faricimab 6.0 mg per personalized treatment interval (PTI), or aflibercept 2.0 mg Q8W through week 100. Primary endpoint was best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) change from baseline at 1 year, averaged over weeks 48, 52, and 56. This is the first time 1-year outcomes between Japanese patients (only enrolled into YOSEMITE) and the pooled YOSEMITE/RHINE cohort (N = 1891) have been compared.

RESULTS

The YOSEMITE Japan subgroup included 60 patients randomized to faricimab Q8W (n = 21), faricimab PTI (n = 19), or aflibercept Q8W (n = 20). Consistent with global results, the adjusted mean (95.04% confidence interval) BCVA change at 1 year in the Japan subgroup was comparable with faricimab Q8W (+11.1 [7.6-14.6] letters), faricimab PTI (+8.1 [4.4-11.7] letters), and aflibercept Q8W (+6.9 [3.3-10.5] letters). At week 52, 13 (72%) patients in the faricimab PTI arm achieved ≥ Q12W dosing, including 7 (39%) patients receiving Q16W dosing. Anatomic improvements with faricimab were generally consistent between the Japan subgroup and pooled YOSEMITE/RHINE cohort. Faricimab was well tolerated; no new or unexpected safety signals were identified.

CONCLUSION

Consistent with global results, faricimab up to Q16W offered durable vision gains and improved anatomic and disease-specific outcomes among Japanese patients with DME.

Emerging therapeutic strategies for unmet need in neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a major cause of visual impairment and blindness. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, such as ranibizumab, bevacizumab, aflibercept, brolucizumab and faricimab have revolutionized the clinical management of nAMD. However, there remains an unmet clinical need for new and improved therapies for nAMD, since many patients do not respond optimally, may lose response over time or exhibit sub-optimal durability, impacting on real world effectiveness. Evidence is emerging that targeting VEGF-A alone, as most agents have done until recently, may be insufficient and agents that target multiple pathways (e.g., aflibercept, faricimab and others in development) may be more efficacious. This article reviews issues and limitations that have arisen from the use of existing anti-VEGF agents, and argues that the future may lie in multi-targeted therapies including alternative agents and modalities that target both the VEGF ligand/receptor system as well as other pathways.

Old Problem in a New Guise: Retinal Pigment Epithelium Tear after Intravitreal Faricimab (Vabysmo®) Injection

This case report describes a 78-year-old patient who developed a tear of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) during faricimab (Vabysmo^®) therapy. After three consecutive intravitreal aflibercept (Eylea^®) injections with persistent disease activity, therapy was switched to faricimab. The patient experienced a tear in the RPE 4 weeks postinjection. We report the first published case of RPE tear development after intravitreal faricimab injection in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Faricimab has a new target structure in the angiopoietin-2 receptor in addition to VEGF. Patients at risk for RPE rupture were excluded from pivotal studies. Further investigation is needed to understand the effect of faricimab not only on visual acuity and intraretinal and subretinal fluid but also on mechanical stress on the RPE monolayer.

The Role of Angiopoietins in Neovascular Diabetes-Related Retinal Diseases

Diabetic retinopathy is a devastating and frequent complication of poorly controlled diabetes, whose pathogenesis is still only partially understood. Advances in basic research over the last two decades have led to the discovery of angiopoietins, proteins that strongly influence the growth and integrity of blood vessels in many vascular beds, with particular importance in the retina. Angiopoietin 1 (Ang1), produced mostly by pericytes and platelets, and angiopoietin 2 (Ang2), produced mainly by endothelial cells, bind to the same receptor (Tie2), but exert opposing effects on target cells. Ang1 maintains the stability of the mature vasculature, while Ang2 promotes vessel wall destabilization and disruption of the connections between endothelial cells and pericytes. Human retinal endothelial cells exposed to Ang2 show reduced membrane expression of the adhesion molecule VE-cadherin, and patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular edema have markedly increased vitreal concentrations of Ang2. Faricimab, a bi-specific antibody simultaneously directed against Ang2 and VEGF, has shown promising results in clinical trials among patients with diabetic retinopathy, and other agents targeting the angiopoietin system are currently in development.

Mechanisms of sterile inflammation after intravitreal injection of antiangiogenic drugs: a narrative review

BACKGROUND

Intraocular inflammation is an uncommon but potentially vision-threatening adverse event related to anti-VEGF therapy. This is of increasing importance given both the volume of injections performed, as well as the increased prevalence of inflammation seen with newer anti-VEGF agents. Brolucizumab, the newest anti-VEGF agent, has been associated with an inflammatory retinal vasculitis and the underlying mechanism is unclear. Reviewing potential mechanisms and clinical differences of intraocular inflammation may assist clinicians and scientists in reducing the risk of these events in the future.

OBSERVATIONS

Two types of inflammation are seen with intravitreal injections, acute onset sterile inflammation and delayed onset inflammatory vasculitis. Acute onset inflammation can be subcategorized into subclinical anterior chamber inflammation and sterile uveitis/endophthalmitis. Subclinical anterior chamber inflammation can occur at rates as high as 19% after intravitreal anti-VEGF injection. Rates of sterile uveitis/endophthalmitis range from 0.05% to 4.4% depending on the anti-VEGF agent. Inflammatory vasculitis is only associated with brolucizumab and occurred in 3.3% of injections according to the post hoc review of the HAWK/HARRIER data. In addition, silicone oil from syringes can induce immunogenic protein aggregates. Agitation of the syringe, freeze thawing, shipping and improper storage prior to injection may increase the amount of silicone oil released from the syringe.

CONCLUSION

The main factors which play a role in intraocular inflammation after anti-VEGF injection can be divided into three causes: patient-specific, medication-specific and delivery-specific. The majority of clinically significant inflammation seen after intravitreal injection is an acute onset inflammatory response with most patients recovering baseline VA in 3-5 weeks. The presence of pain, hypopyon, severe anterior chamber reaction, hyperemia and significant vision loss may help distinguish infectious from non-infectious etiologies of post injection inflammation. Avoiding temperature fluctuation, mechanical shock, agitation during transport and handling of syringes/drugs, and the use of SO-free syringes may help minimize intraocular inflammation. While a definitive mechanism has not yet been established, current knowledge of the clinical presentation and vitreous histopathology of brolucizumab-retinal vasculitis favors an auto-immune type IV hypersensitivity reaction.

New therapeutic targets in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration and especially neovascular age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of low vision in developed countries. Even though the introduction of anti-VEGF drugs in recent years completely changed the management of this condition, its cost, the need for repeated intravitreal injections, and loss of efficacy in the long term are still issues to deal with. Currently, a new generation of novel therapies under development is attempting to address some of these limitations. Some of the most prominent among them are new anti-VEGFs such as brolucizumab or abicipar, drugs against angiopoietin-2 receptor such as faricimab, sustained-release systems, or tyrosine kinase inhibitors. As regards dry age-related macular degeneration, neuroprotection, the complement pathway, and stem cell therapy are the most promising targets currently under investigation.