Faricimab approval, home OCT mark major developments in retina
WASHINGTON — Recent developments in the retina field include increasingly durable therapeutics for vascular disease, according to a speaker here.
“It’s an exciting time in the world of retina,” Brian K. Do, MD, said at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting.
Do discussed updates in the specialty, such as the approval of faricimab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. Because faricimab is a bispecific monoclonal antibody, it is able to inhibit both VEGF-A and Ang-2.
“Ang-2 is thought, when inhibited, to reduce inflammation and vascular leakage,” Do said. “This dual activity is hopefully going to be of benefit to all of our patients.”
In addition, Do said that a home OCT device that uses artificial intelligence-driven algorithms to analyze images is currently in development. Patients take the images themselves, and if the algorithm detects subretinal fluid, the physician is notified.
“This is an individual-driven process,” he said. “It seems that most patients with 20/400 vision or better are able to operate the device.”
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Do BK. The latest in retina: 5 things to know. Presented at: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting; April 22-26, 2022; Washington.
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