Treatment outcomes of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration after switching from aflibercept to faricimab.

PURPOSE: Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) can cause vision loss and irreversible blindness. However, its treatment needs to be improved. This study aimed to evaluate the 1-year treatment outcomes in patients with nAMD after switching from 2 mg aflibercept to faricimab.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study.

METHODS: We included 83 eyes of 83 patients with nAMD who switched from 2 mg aflibercept to faricimab to extend the administration interval or eliminate exudative changes, with ≥ 1 year of follow-up. We retrospectively examined the 1-year treatment outcomes after switching, with the time of switching as the baseline.

RESULTS: After switching, the mean log minimum angle of resolution best corrected visual acuity was significantly improved from 0.35 to 0.33 (p = 0.0498), and the mean central retinal thickness was significantly reduced from 302 μm to 237 μm (p < 0.0001). A significant reduction was observed in the incidence of subretinal fluid, intraretinal fluid, and subretinal pigment epithelial fluid (p < 0.05). The mean dosing interval was significantly extended from 5.58 weeks to 9.69 weeks (p < 0.0001). One year after switching, 66 eyes (80%) continued receiving faricimab, while 17 eyes (20%) were switched to other drugs owing to worsening exudation or other reasons.

CONCLUSION: One year after switching treatment for nAMD from 2 mg aflibercept to faricimab, visual acuity and macular morphology were improved, and the treatment interval was extended. The study's findings could help develop strategies for improving nAMD.