A retrospective analysis of treatment switch from faricimab to aflibercept 8 mg in nAMD.

PURPOSE: Macular neovascularization is one of the most common causes of irreversible vision loss. Intravitreal injections with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor are the treatment of choice. In recent years, new drugs such as faricimab and aflibercept 8 mg have paved the way for longer intervals between intravitreal injections. However, there are currently very few comparative studies on these longer-acting drugs.

METHODS: This retrospective analysis included patients with at least three consecutive intravitreal injections of faricimab due to neovascular age-related macular degeneration who were subsequently switched from faricimab to aflibercept 8 mg in 2024. The primary outcome was the change in central retinal thickness as measured by optical coherence tomography. The secondary outcome was best-corrected visual acuity.

RESULTS: 41 eyes of 38 patients were included. There were no statistically significant changes in retinal thickness. Best-corrected visual acuity showed a trend towards deterioration, however not statistically significant. One patient experienced a tear of the retinal pigment epithelium after receiving the first injection of aflibercept 8 mg.

CONCLUSION: This retrospective analysis did not show statistically significant changes in central retinal thickness or best-corrected visual acuity after treatment switch from faricimab to aflibercept 8 mg.