Intravitreal faricimab for diabetic macular oedema and neovascular age-related macular degeneration: general considerations and practical recommendations by an expert panel of Italian retina specialists.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

Faricimab, a bispecific antibody targeting angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), introduces a novel therapeutic option for diabetic macular oedema (DMO) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

METHODS

This consensus document, developed by an expert panel of Italian retina specialists, provides practical recommendations for the integration of faricimab into clinical practice.

RESULTS

The panel reviewed pivotal clinical trials, YOSEMITE and RHINE for DMO and TENAYA and LUCERNE for nAMD, which demonstrated faricimab's noninferiority to aflibercept in vision outcomes while offering extended dosing intervals up to 16 weeks. Key benefits include rapid and sustained fluid resolution, enhanced macular dryness, and reduced treatment burden for patients and healthcare systems. Recommendations cover treatment initiation, tailored management using treat-and-extend protocols, and strategies for switching from other anti-VEGF therapies.

CONCLUSION

The consensus highlights faricimab's potential to optimise outcomes for patients with DMO and nAMD while addressing real-world challenges, such as undertreatment and clinic resource constraints.