Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This study assessed the efficacy, durability, and safety of faricimab in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), previously treated with aflibercept or ranibizumab with unsatisfactory results. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective cohort study of all consecutive patients with nAMD switched to intravitreally administered faricimab from traditional anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatments between September 2022 and April 2023 because of unsatisfactory response (maximal fluid-free interval ≤ 8 weeks). Faricimab was administered with a loading dose of four 4-weekly injections, followed by a treat-and-extend regimen. The primary outcome measures were maximum fluid-free interval after the switch and last assigned treatment interval. Secondary outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and structural optical coherence tomography parameters. RESULTS: Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients were included. Patients were followed for a median of 72 weeks [interquartile range 61, 76]. Median maximum fluid-free treatment interval after switch to faricimab and the last assigned interval were significantly longer than before the switch (7 vs. 4 weeks, p < 0.001 and 8 vs. 5 weeks, p < 0.001, respectively). Significant improvements in central subfield thickness (353 vs. 281 µm), macular volume (2.46 vs. 2.16 mm(3)), and pigment epithelial detachment height (198 vs. 150 µm) were observed (all p < 0.001). BCVA remained stable at 0.4 versus 0.3 logMAR before switch (p = 0.190). One eye (3%) developed intraocular inflammation and one eye (3%) developed a retinal pigment epithelium tear. CONCLUSIONS: Faricimab improved anatomical outcomes and allowed longer treatment intervals in patients with nAMD previously treated with other anti-VEGF therapies with unsatisfactory response, reducing treatment burden. A favorable safety profile was observed.