Results from the AVONELLE-X and SALWEEN trials have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of faricimab (marketed as Vabysmo) in treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). These findings support the drug’s long-term benefits, showing significant improvements over periods of four years for nAMD and one year for PCV.
The AVONELLE-X trial, an open-label extension of the earlier phase 3 TENAYA and LUCERNE studies, evaluated the long-term safety and tolerability of faricimab administered at a personalized treatment interval. Participants who completed either the TENAYA or LUCERNE trials were eligible for AVONELLE-X, with approximately 50% of patients receiving extended dosing intervals of five months.
In terms of efficacy, faricimab successfully resolved PCV-related lesions in over 60% of treated patients. Additionally, the treatment led to the inactivation of polypoidal lesions in 86% of eyes. Notably, the safety profile of faricimab remained consistent with its previously established data regarding nAMD.
Clinical Insights from the Trials
Dr. Veeral Sheth, a lead investigator, emphasized the positive vision outcomes observed in the trials. He noted that the SALWEEN study highlighted significant dose extensions, which is becoming a common trend in contemporary ophthalmology treatments. “PCV is traditionally more difficult to treat and control than typical neovascular AMD,” Dr. Sheth stated. “These patients did very well in terms of disease control and vision outcomes, with a majority achieving dosing intervals of up to 24 weeks.”
The promising results from these trials indicate a substantial advancement in the management of both nAMD and PCV. With the ongoing research and development in this field, faricimab could represent a crucial step towards improving the quality of life for patients suffering from these conditions.
Continued monitoring of faricimab’s long-term effects and its application in clinical settings will be critical as the medical community seeks to enhance treatment protocols for eye diseases. The findings from AVONELLE-X and SALWEEN reinforce the potential of faricimab as a viable option for patients, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of effective therapies for nAMD and PCV.