Short-term efficacy of faricimab switch on retinal exudative signs in patients requiring frequent anti-VEGF injections : A real-life study

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of switching from anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to faricimab in reducing exudative signs in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients receiving regular injections (every 8 weeks or less) without restarting a standard induction regimen.

Methods

This retrospective, observational, multicenter study included patients with exudative AMD previously treated with aflibercept 2 mg or ranibizumab every ≤8 weeks and switched to faricimab while maintaining their previous injection interval. The first follow-up visit occured after switching to faricimab, with a single injection, and corresponded to the pre-existing injection interval. Primary outcomes included changes in subretinal (SRF) and intraretinal fluid (IRF).

Results

Among 39 patients (47 eyes), the proportion of eyes with SRF decreased from 43.1% to 23.5% (p < 0.01) and IRF from 43.8% to 19.6% (p < 0.01). SRF height significantly reduced from 75.3 μm to 60 μm (p = 0.04). Pigment epithelial detachment (PED) height decreased from 223 μm to 164μm (p < 0.01), and central retinal thickness (CRT) declined from 273.7 μm to 268 μm (p < 0.01). Injection intervals extended by an average of 7 days (40 to 47 days, p < 0.01). No significant changes in BCVA (p = 0.14) were observed. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Switching to faricimab without restarting an induction phase effectively reduces SRF and IRF while modestly extending injection intervals in patients requiring frequent anti-VEGF injections. These findings suggest a potential benefit in treatment burden reduction. Further studies are needed to assess long-term visual outcomes and safety.