Real-World Results in Treating Diabetic Macular Edema With Faricimab at a London-Based Tertiary Eye Hospital

Diabetic macular edema (DMO) poses a significant risk to vision, primarily caused by the leakage of retinal vessels. Traditional treatments involve anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents and corticosteroids, though responses vary, necessitating frequent treatments. This retrospective study at a London-based tertiary eye hospital evaluates the efficacy of faricimab, a bispecific antibody inhibiting angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2) and VEGF-A, in treating DMO. Seventy-six eyes from 60 patients were treated with intravitreal faricimab injections over six months. Participants were divided into treatment-naïve and previously treated groups. The primary outcomes measured were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central subfield thickness (CST). Treatment-naïve patients showed significant improvement in BCVA from 0.86 ± 0.31 to 0.23 ± 0.26 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (Log MAR) and a reduction in CST from 385.71 ± 103.59 to 299.14 ± 76.00 μm. Previously treated patients also demonstrated improvements, with BCVA enhancing from 0.43 ± 0.38 to 0.31 ± 0.34 Log MAR and CST decreasing from 427.00 ± 129.40 to 318.88 ± 89.40 μm. Few adverse events were noted, affirming the safety profile of faricimab. The study concludes that faricimab significantly improves visual and anatomical outcomes in DMO patients, supporting its potential as a reliable treatment with extended dosing intervals.