Faricimab in previously treated nAMD: Real-World Outcomes of a No-Loading-Dose Switching Protocol
- Journal
- Ophthalmologica. Journal international d'ophtalmologie. International journal of ophthalmology. Zeitschrift fur Augenheilkunde (Q1)
- Published
- 10 September 2026
- Study design
- Retrospective cohort
- Evidence level
- Level 4, Very Low (CEBM 4)
- Authors
- Scott Lenhof, Thibaud Mathis, Nicolas Lepretre, Jonathan Rencker, Laurent Kodjikian
- PMID
- 42721102
- DOI
- 10.1159/oph/aeeag012
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Ophthalmology (paper of the day, 13 September 2026): Real‑world faricimab switch protocol in nAMD, interval extension
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Evaluate efficacy, anatomical outcomes, and safety of switching to faricimab without a loading dose, using a standardized institutional switch protocol, in patients with previously treated neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) who achieved a maximum fluid-free interval of 8 weeks or less with aflibercept or ranibizumab. METHODS: Retrospective, single-center cohort study conducted at Croix-Rousse Hospital, Lyon and included eyes with a maximum fluid-free interval of 8 weeks or less on aflibercept or ranibizumab, switched to faricimab between November 2023 and December 2024. Eyes were classified as Poor Responders (PR) or Frequent Flyers (FF) based on their prior anti-VEGF response. No loading dose was administered. Primary outcome was change in last intended treatment interval. Secondary outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), SD-OCT parameters, predictors of interval extension and safety. RESULTS: 128 eyes were included. Before switching, mean (SD) treatment duration was 36.4 (21.9) months with a mean (SD) 28.2 (17.0) intravitreal injections. After switching, the median gain in the last intended interval was 2.7 [IQR 2.1-3.3] weeks (p<0.001). Subgroup analysis showed a median gain of 3.1 weeks in PR (p<0.001) and 2.4 weeks in FF (p<0.001). BCVA remains stable (p=0.37). Significant reductions were observed in CMT (p<0.001), SHRM (p=0.02), IRF (p<0.001), and SRF (p<0.001). Baseline characteristics were not associated with treatment interval extension. There was one case of anterior uveitis and vitritis, which resolved with topical corticosteroid treatment. CONCLUSION: In previously treated nAMD patients, switching to faricimab without a loading dose achieved meaningful treatment interval extension, potentially reducing treatment burden without compromising efficacy.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.