One-Year Outcomes of Faricimab in Treatment-Naïve Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Swiss Retina Research Network Report
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of faricimab in a real-world cohort of treatment-naïve patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Data were retrospectively collected from 130 eyes of 118 patients across 11 centers of the Swiss Retina Research Network, all treated with faricimab using a treat-and-extend regimen and followed for 12 months between May 2022 and October 2024. METHODS: Demographic data, visual and anatomical outcomes, treatment intervals, and adverse events were extracted from the electronic medical records over a 12-month follow-up period. Main outcomes included change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), presence of intra- and subretinal fluid, retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED), injection intervals, and safety. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: Twelve months after the initiation of faricimab therapy, mean BCVA improved from 64.6 ± 14.1 to 69.2 ± 20.3 ETDRS (Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study) letters (p < 0.001), while mean CRT decreased from 386.3 ± 172.3 to 246.6 ± 90.4 μm (p < 0.001). An early anatomical response to faricimab was observed in 34.6% of eyes achieving complete retinal fluid resolution after the first injection and in 55.6% after 12 months. The mean treatment interval was extended to 10.5 ± 4.3 weeks, with 26.2% of eyes achieving intervals of 8-11 weeks and 39.2% achieving intervals of ≥ 12 weeks after 12 months. Intraocular inflammation occurred in 0.77% of eyes (n = 1, anterior uveitis); serious adverse events were not reported. CONCLUSION: Faricimab demonstrates favorable anatomical and functional outcomes with extended treatment intervals in a majority of patients with treatment-naïve nAMD, offering the potential of reduced treatment burden and the absence of retinal fluid in more than half of the subjects during the first year, while maintaining safety in a real-world setting.
Source: Ophthalmology and Therapy
Authors: Anne Tillmann, Richard Stillenmunkes, Justus G. Garweg, Jennifer Cattaneo, Nicolò Bartolomeo, Gabriela Grimaldi, Tahm Spitznagel, Eva C. De Oliveira Figueiredo, Aude Ambresin, Moreno Menghini, Gábor M. Somfai, Sandrine Zweifel, Jacqueline Fröhlich, Dmitri Artemiev, Andreas Ebneter, Katja Hatz, Andreas Weinberger, Isabel B. Pfister, Christin Schild, Chiara Eandi, Marion R. Munk, Mariano Cozzi, Nicolas Feltgen, Nils Schaerer
Institutions: University of Bern, University Hospital of Bern, Berner Augenklinik am Lindenhofspital, Hôpital Ophtalmique Jules-Gonin, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, University of Lausanne, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Università della Svizzera italiana, Stadtspital Zürich, Semmelweis University, University of Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, University Hospital of Basel, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, University of Basel, Vista Klinik, RWTH Aachen University, University of Turin, Northwestern University
Language: English
Subfield: Ophthalmology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $7,400
OpenAlex ID: W4415278501