One-Year Real-World Outcomes of Switching to Aflibercept 8 mg in Eyes with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Swiss Retina Research Network Report.

INTRODUCTION

This multicenter, longitudinal, observational real-world study evaluated the efficacy and safety of switching to intravitreal aflibercept 8 mg (Afl 8) in pretreated eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) within the Swiss Retina Research Network. A total of 283 eyes from 245 patients previously treated with other anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents (aflibercept 2 mg, faricimab, and ranibizumab) were included, with 1-year efficacy outcomes analyzed in 246 eyes and safety assessed in all treated eyes.

METHODS

We recorded demographics, baseline functional and anatomical parameters-including spectacle-corrected visual acuity (VA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) data-treatment history and outcomes over 12 months after switching to Afl 8. The main outcome measures were change in VA, central subfield thickness (CST), presence of intra- and subretinal fluid (IRF/SRF) and pigment epithelial detachment (PED), treatment intervals, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Twelve months after the switch to Afl 8, mean VA remained stable, while mean CST decreased from 329.1 to 302.8 µm (p < 0.001). The portion of eyes without retinal fluid increased from 29.9% at baseline to 47.5% after 12 months. In parallel, the mean treatment interval was extended by 32.3% from 7.1 to 9.4 weeks (p < 0.001). At 1 year, 35.4% of eyes reached intervals of 8-11 weeks, while 20.2% achieved intervals of 12 weeks or longer. Intraocular inflammation was reported in 11 cases (3.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

In pretreated nAMD eyes with high treatment demand, switching to Afl 8 resulted in a significant anatomical improvement and longer treatment intervals in a majority of patients. These real-world results highlight the therapeutic potential of Afl 8, with no new or unexpected safety issues.