UK-based real-world study shows effective, long-lasting outcomes of faricimab in DME
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BARCELONA, Spain — A large amount of real-world data collected from clinics across the U.K. highlighted the effectiveness, safety and durability of faricimab for diabetic macular edema in treatment-naive and previously treated eyes.
“These data are specific to the U.K. so may not be readily generalizable in other countries, but we’re very proud to have been able to achieve such a safe administration of the drug under pretty trying circumstances,” Tunde Peto, MD, PhD, said at the Euretina congress.
The FARWIDE-DME retrospective real-world study collected data between July 2022 and July 2024 from 35 NHS sites that use the Medisoft electronic medical record system. More than 7,000 eyes of 5,200 patients were included; 690 eyes were treatment naive, and the rest were switched from another treatment. The Index of Multiple Deprivation, which is used in the U.K. as a measure of poverty within small areas, showed that the NHS was able to reach many patients in deprived areas who are usually most affected and lost to follow-up.
“What is important is that we are seeing that the Index of Multiple Deprivation is pretty high in our patients in the U.K. presenting with macular edema,” Peto said.
In treatment-naive eyes, visual acuity improved by almost five letters, and 43% of the patients achieved and 86% maintained driving-level vision. In previously treated patients, there was less attainment of driving vision, but those who had driving vision to start maintained it just as well as the treatment-naive patients.
Combined data from the DME and the neovascular age-related macular degeneration group, accounting for about 150,000 injections, showed that the rate of endophthalmitis and intraocular inflammation was comparable to the rate observed in clinical trials.
“This is an excellent result. As you probably all know, in the U.K., a lot of the injections are given by nurses and optometrists,” Peto said.
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Peto T, et al. Real-world treatment patterns and visual outcomes of faricimab use among eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) in the United Kingdom: 1-year results from the FARWIDE-DME study. Presented at: Euretina congress; Sept. 19-22, 2024; Barcelona, Spain.
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