Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, recently announced positive results from two studies evaluating Vabysmo (faricimab-svoa) for treating wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and a related condition. The findings were presented at the 25th Euretina Congress in Paris, France.
The AVONELLE-X study, a long-term extension trial, followed patients with wet AMD for four years. Researchers observed maintained disease control and treatment durability. A significant percentage of patients extended their treatment intervals to every three or four months.
The SALWEEN study focused on patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), a challenging subtype of wet AMD. This single-arm trial demonstrated clinically meaningful vision improvements and significant reduction in abnormal blood vessels. Over 60% of participants showed complete resolution of damaging lesions.
Genentech‘s chief medical officer, Levi Garraway, highlighted the significance of these findings, emphasizing the potential of Vabysmo to improve outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat eye diseases. He noted the data support the company’s commitment to developing impactful medications for these conditions.
The SALWEEN study, conducted over one year, showed an average improvement in visual acuity for participants with PCV. A substantial portion of patients transitioned to extended dosing intervals. The safety profile of Vabysmo remained consistent with previous studies.
Vabysmo‘s safety profile in both studies remained consistent with previously established data. The drug was well-tolerated by participants in both the AVONELLE-X and SALWEEN trials.
Vabysmo is currently approved in over 100 countries for wet AMD and diabetic macular edema (DME), and in more than 60 countries for macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Millions of doses have been distributed globally since its initial approval in 2022.
Genentech underscored its commitment to improving access to Vabysmo, offering resources to help patients navigate potential barriers to treatment. The company provides patient assistance programs to help address financial concerns.
Wet AMD is a leading cause of vision loss, affecting millions worldwide. It is characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth in the macula, leading to fluid leakage and retinal damage. PCV, a more prevalent subtype of wet AMD in certain populations, is characterized by polyp-like blood vessels in the choroid.
AVONELLE-X was a two-year extension study building upon previous phase III trials. The study design allowed for adjustments to treatment intervals based on individual patient responses. SALWEEN was a single-arm study enrolling patients with PCV from multiple Asian countries. The study design incorporated a personalized treatment approach, adapting dosing intervals based on patient progress.
Vabysmo‘s unique mechanism of action targets two pathways implicated in retinal diseases. By inhibiting both angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), it aims to stabilize blood vessels and reduce inflammation.
The company continues research and development efforts in ophthalmology, aiming to expand treatment options for a range of eye diseases. Genentech is dedicated to providing innovative therapies for patients with serious eye conditions.
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