Roles of Faricimab in the Treatment of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Macular Edema

Abstract

Faricimab is a new anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) that was registered by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2021. This drug was registered in Thailand in 2022 for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Faricimab is the only anti-VEGF drug whose duration of treatment depends on visual acuity assessment and retinal anatomic outcomes leading to the reduced numbers of treatment and expenses. In addition, faricimab is the first anti-VEGF drug developed as a bispecific antibody, allowing it to inhibit both the VEGF pathway and the Ang/Tie pathway. Therefore, its effectiveness is expected to last longer than that of other anti-VEGF drugs that can inhibit only the VEGF pathway. In a phase 3 clinical trial comparing the efficacy and safety of faricimab with aflibercept, a commonly used first-line drug for the treatment of nAMD and DME, faricimab was not inferior to aflibercept as measured by best-corrected visual acuity change from baseline with the extension of dosing duration to 16 weeks. Safety of faricimab was similar to that of aflibercept. However, the efficacy and safety of faricimab should be monitored to maximize treatment outcomes for patients. Faricimab has recently been registered in Thailand, data on its use in the country are therefore limited. This article provides information on faricimab including its general information, dosage, method of administration, efficacy, adverse reactions and guidelines for drug use in Thailand.