Early Outcomes of Faricimab Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema in Patients Previously Treated With Anti-VEGF Therapy.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes of switching to intravitreal faricimab injections (IFIs) from prior anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME).

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A retrospective review was done of patients with DME previously treated with anti-VEGF and subsequently switched to IFIs. Optical coherence tomography scans were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively to evaluate intraretinal fluid changes and central subfield thickness (CST).

RESULTS

A total of 62 eyes from 41 patients were analyzed with a mean follow-up time of 36.4 ± 14.4 weeks. After receiving three IFIs, treatment interval increased significantly by 3.2 weeks (P < 0.001), CST decreased significantly by 43.8 µm (P = 0.014), and visual acuity remained stable (63.2 vs 64.4 approximate ETDRS letters, P = 0.720). Seventeen eyes (27.4%) were switched back to their prior anti-VEGF agent, with one case of suspected IFI-related uveitis.

CONCLUSION

Faricimab appears to be a viable option for some DME patients who require a change in anti-VEGF therapy. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2025;56:408-414.].