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

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