Treat-and-extend therapy with Eylea for AMD improves vision, reduces injections over 2 years
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LAS VEGAS — Two-year results of the ATLAS study showed visual and anatomic improvements in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration treated with a treat-and-extend program using Eylea.
“The treat-and-extend program has never been validated with aflibercept [Eylea, Regeneron] to date, and given the molecular differences of anti-VEGF drugs and the potential greater durability effect for aflibercept, my colleagues and I designed and conducted the ATLAS study,“ Carl D. Regillo, MD, FACS, said at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.
Carl D. Regillo
Of the 40 patients enrolled in the prospective study, only 18% of subjects had visual acuity (VA) of 20/40 or better. After 1 year, VA improved to 20/40 or better in 48% of patients, and 45% of patients reached the same VA after year 2.
There was an average of 13.9 injections over 2 years: eight in year 1 and 5.9 in year 2.
By the end of the second year, 82% of patients were treated at intervals of 8 weeks or more and more than one-third at 12 weeks or more.
The study also showed a good safety profile.
“These [results] were well-maintained over 2 years of follow-up, and all of this was acknowledged to reduce office visits and injection burden,” Regillo said.
Improvements were very similar to previously published reports using the treat-and-extend approach using ranibizumab and bevacizumab, and also very similar to the fixed regimens using aflibercept, he said. — by Kristie L. Kahl
Reference:
Regillo CD. Prospective, multicenter investigation of aflibercept treat and extend therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (ATLAS study) 2 year results. Presented at: American Academy of Ophthalmology. Nov. 14, 2015; Las Vegas.
Disclosure: Regillo reports he is a consultant for Acucela, Alcon Laboratories, Alimera Sciences, Allergan, Bausch + Lomb, Genentech, NotalVision, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Thrombogenics; and a speaker for Acucela, Advanced Cell Technology, Alcon Laboratories, Alimera Sciences, Allergan, Genentech, NotalVision, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Santen, Second Sight Medical Products and Thrombogenics.