Efficacy of Faricimab vs Aflibercept in Diabetic Macular Edema in the 20/50 or Worse Vision Subgroup in Phase 3 YOSEMITE/RHINE Trials.

PURPOSE: DRCR.net Protocol T data suggest the response to treatment among patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) may vary depending on baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). We evaluated the efficacy of faricimab 6 mg versus aflibercept 2 mg over 2 years in patients with DME enrolled in faricimab phase 3 trials with baseline Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) BCVA ≤20/50. DESIGN: YOSEMITE/RHINE were identically designed, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, active comparator-controlled, noninferiority trials. PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged ≥18 years with center-involving macular edema secondary to type 1 or 2 diabetes. METHODS: Patients were randomized to faricimab every 8 weeks (Q8W), faricimab per a personalized treat-and-extend-based regimen (T&E), or aflibercept Q8W. Post hoc subgroup analyses were conducted using the intent-to-treat population with baseline BCVA ≤20/50 (ETDRS letters <69). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in ETDRS BCVA and central subfield thickness (CST) from baseline to years 1 and 2 were compared between treatment arms using mixed-model repeated measures analyses. RESULTS: In YOSEMITE/RHINE, 220/217 patients in the faricimab Q8W; 220/219, faricimab T&E; and 219/214, aflibercept Q8W arms had baseline BCVA ≤20/50. In both trials, mean change in ETDRS BCVA was comparable between treatments at years 1 and 2. In YOSEMITE, adjusted mean (95% CI) change from baseline in CST (µm) at year 1 was greater with faricimab Q8W (-232.8 [-243.5, -222.1]) and faricimab T&E (-217.4 [-227.9, -206.9]) versus aflibercept Q8W (-190.4 [-200.9, -179.8]; P<0.0001 and P=0.0004, respectively). The pattern was similar in RHINE: faricimab Q8W, -214.2 (-225.3, -203.1); faricimab T&E, -206.6 (-217.4, -195.7); aflibercept Q8W, -186.6 (-197.7, -175.5); P=0.0006 and P=0.0116 for faricimab arms versus aflibercept, respectively. In both trials, change from baseline in CST at year 2 was greater with faricimab Q8W versus aflibercept. Median time to first CST <325 µm and first absence of intraretinal fluid was shorter in the faricimab arms versus aflibercept, with fewer injections on average. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with DME and baseline ETDRS BCVA ≤20/50, faricimab treatment resulted in comparable visual acuity, greater reduction in retinal thickness, and fewer injections compared with aflibercept over 2 years of treatment.

Supplemental Intravitreal Ranibizumab Injections in Eyes Treated with the Port Delivery System with Ranibizumab in the Archway Trial.

PURPOSE: To determine the proportion and characteristics of eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with the Port Delivery System with ranibizumab (PDS) that receive supplemental intravitreal ranibizumab injections due to changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and/or central subfield thickness (CST), and to investigate the safety and efficacy of supplemental injections in eyes with the PDS. DESIGN: Post-hoc analyses of data from the phase 3, randomized, multicenter, open-label, active-comparator Archway trial (NCT03677934). PARTICIPANTS: Adults with nAMD diagnosed within 9 months of screening previously responsive to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy. INTERVENTION: 418 patients were randomized to the PDS with ranibizumab 100 mg/mL with fixed refill-exchanges every 24 weeks (Q24W) or monthly intravitreal ranibizumab 0.5 mg for 96 weeks. RESULTS: Of the 246 eyes treated with the PDS Q24W and assessed for supplemental treatment criteria, the vast majority (94.6%-98.4%) did not receive supplemental treatment during each retreatment interval, with 87.4% not receiving supplemental treatment at any point during the trial. Of the 31 eyes receiving supplemental treatment, 58.1% received 1 injection and 32.3% received 2. At baseline, eyes receiving supplemental treatment were significantly more likely to have thicker retinas (mean CST 370.5µm vs 304.4µm; P = 0.0001), subretinal fluid (54.8% vs 21.2%; P < 0.0001), and larger pigment epithelial detachment height (215.7µm versus 175.9µm; P = 0.003). These features have previously been associated with difficult-to-treat nAMD. Whereas BCVA and CST generally remained constant throughout the trial in eyes without supplemental treatment, the small number of eyes receiving supplemental treatment on average lost 1 line of vision from baseline to week 96 (mean -5.7 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study score letters) and CST continued to increase over time. Absolute BCVA at week 96 was similar irrespective of supplemental treatment status (71.1 and 73.7 letters). BCVA and CST generally improved within 28 days of supplemental treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Although the PDS Q24W effectively maintains vision and retinal stability in most eyes with nAMD, a small proportion of patients with features of difficult-to-treat nAMD may benefit from supplemental intravitreal anti-VEGF injections and initial close monitoring is recommended.

Intraretinal Hyper-Reflective Foci Are Almost Universally Present and Co-Localize With Intraretinal Fluid in Diabetic Macular Edema.

Purpose: In diabetic macular edema (DME), hyper-reflective foci (HRF) has been linked to disease severity and progression. Using an automated approach, we aimed to investigate the baseline distribution of HRF in DME and their co-localization with cystoid intraretinal fluid (IRF). Methods: Baseline spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) volume scans (N = 1527) from phase III clinical trials YOSEMITE (NCT03622580) and RHINE (NCT03622593) were segmented using a deep-learning-based algorithm (developed using B-scans from BOULEVARD NCT02699450) to detect HRF. The HRF count and volume were assessed. HRF distributions were analyzed in relation to best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CST), and IRF volume in quartiles, and Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scores (DRSS) in groups. Co-localization of HRF with IRF was calculated in the central 3-mm diameter using the en face projection. Results: HRF were present in most patients (up to 99.7%). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) HRF volume within the 3-mm diameter Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study ring was 1964.3 (3325.2) pL, and median count was 64.0 (IQR = 96.0). Median HRF volumes were greater with decreasing BCVA (nominal P = 0.0109), and increasing CST (nominal P < 0.0001), IRF (nominal P < 0.0001), and DRSS up to very severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (nominal P < 0.0001). HRF co-localized with IRF in the en face projection. Conclusions: Using automated HRF segmentation of full SD-OCT volumes, we observed that HRF are a ubiquitous feature in DME and exhibit relationships with BCVA, CST, IRF, and DRSS, supporting a potential link to disease severity. The spatial distribution of HRF closely followed that of IRF.

Patient Experience Survey of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Macular Edema.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding patient perspectives of treatment may improve adherence and outcomes. This study explored real-world patient experiences with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). METHODS: This multinational, non-interventional, quantitative, cross-sectional, observational survey assessed treatment barriers/burden, patient-reported visual functioning, and treatment satisfaction in DME and nAMD patients in the USA, the UK, Canada, France, Italy, and Spain. Treatment patterns and visual outcomes were extracted from medical charts. Regression models evaluated relationships between adherence, total missed visits, number of anti-VEGF injections, and clinical and patient-reported outcomes for visual functioning. Association between treatment satisfaction and aspects of burden were assessed. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 183 DME and 391 nAMD patients. Patients had moderately high vision-related functioning (25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire score: mean = 74.8) and were satisfied with their current treatment (mean total score: Macular Disease Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire = 59.2; Retinopathy Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire = 61.3). Treatment satisfaction scores were worse with higher time-related impacts of treatment (nAMD/DME), higher impacts on finances and daily life (nAMD), negative impacts on employment and lower expectations for treatment effectiveness (DME). Most patients reported ≥1 barrier (66.1% DME, 49.2% nAMD patients) related to treatment (35.0%), clinic (32.6%), and COVID-19 (21.1%). Moreover, 44.9% of patients reported some impairment in activities of daily living. Work absenteeism was observed among >60% of working patients. Nearly one-quarter (24.2%) of patients needed ≥1 day to recover from intravitreal injections; most reported ≥30 min of travel time (73.7%) and clinic wait time (54.2%). In unadjusted univariable analyses, treatment adherence (vs. nonadherence) was related to higher most recent visual acuity (ß = 8.98 letters; CI, 1.34-16.62) and lower odds of visual acuity below driving vision (≤69 letters) (OR = 0.50; CI, 0.25-1.00). CONCLUSION: More durable treatments with reduced frequency of injections/visits may reduce treatment burden and improve patient satisfaction, which may enhance adherence and visual outcomes.

SUPRACHOROIDAL SPACE INJECTION TECHNIQUE: Expert Panel Guidance.

PURPOSE: To develop professional guidelines for best practices for suprachoroidal space (SCS) injection, an innovative technique for retinal therapeutic delivery, based on current published evidence and clinical experience. METHODS: A panel of expert ophthalmologists reviewed current published evidence and clinical experience during a live working group meeting to define points of consensus and key clinical considerations to inform the development of guidelines for in-office SCS injection. RESULTS: Core consensus guidelines for in-office SCS injection were reached and reported by the expert panel. Current clinical evidence and physician experience supported SCS injection as a safe and effective method for delivering retinal and choroidal therapeutics. The panel established consensus on the rationale for SCS injection, including potential benefits relative to other intraocular delivery methods and current best practices in patient preparation, pre- and peri-injection management, SCS-specific injection techniques, and postinjection management and follow-up. CONCLUSION: These expert panel guidelines may support and promote standardization of SCS injection technique, with the goal of optimizing patient safety and outcomes. Some aspects of the procedure may reasonably be modified based on the clinical setting and physician judgment, as well as additional study.

Comparative Efficacy, Durability and Safety of Faricimab in the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema: A Systematic Literature Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: A systematic literature review (SLR) and network meta-analysis (NMA) were conducted to evaluate the comparative efficacy, durability and safety of faricimab, used in a Treat & Extend (T&E) regime with intervals up to every 16 weeks (Q16W), relative to other therapies currently in use for treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DME). Of particular interest were anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies applied in flexible dosing regimens such as Pro re nata (PRN) and T&E, which are the mainstay in clinical practice. METHODS: An SLR identifying randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published before August 2021 was conducted, followed by a Bayesian NMA comparing faricimab T&E treatment to aflibercept, ranibizumab, bevacizumab, dexamethasone and laser therapy. Outcomes included in the analysis were change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), change in central subfield thickness (CST), injection frequency, ocular adverse events (AE) and all-cause discontinuation, all of which were evaluated at 12 months. Subgroup analyses including patients' naïve to anti-VEGF were conducted where feasible. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies identified in the SLR were included in the NMA. Most importantly for decision making in clinical practise, faricimab T&E was associated with a statistically greater (95% credible intervals exclude zero) and clinically meaningful decrease in retinal thickness compared to all other flexible dosing regimens (greater retinal drying by 55-125 microns). Anatomical outcomes determine treatment efficacy and retreatment of patients. The NMA also showed a statistically greater increase in mean change in BCVA for faricimab T&E vs. flexible regimens using ranibizumab and bevacizumab (increase of 4.4-4.8 letters) as well as a numerical improvement vs. aflibercept PRN (two letters, 95% credible intervals including zero). Accordingly, the injection frequency was numerically lower versus other treatments using flexible dosing regimens (decrease by 0.92-1.43 injections). The analyses also indicated that the safety profile of faricimab T&E was comparable to those of ranibizumab and aflibercept, which have well-established safety profiles, with similar results for the number of all-cause discontinuations. CONCLUSION: Faricimab provides a new treatment option in DME with dual-pathway inhibition of VEGF and angiopoeitin-2 (Ang-2). To the authors' knowledge, this is the first indirect comparison of faricimab T&E in DME. The analyses indicate that faricimab T&E is associated with superior retinal drying along with numerically fewer injections compared to all other treatments given in flexible dosing regimens. It also showed superior visual acuity outcomes compared to ranibizumab and bevacizumab.

Progression of Geographic Atrophy: Retrospective Analysis of Patients from the IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight).

Purpose: To evaluate disease progression and associated vision changes in patients with geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 1 eye and GA or neovascular AMD (nAMD) in the fellow eye using a large dataset from routine clinical practice. Design: Retrospective analysis of clinical data over 24 months. Subjects: A total of 256 635 patients with GA from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Academy) IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) Registry (January 2016 to December 2017). Methods: Patients with ≥ 24 months of follow-up were grouped by fellow-eye status: Cohort 1, GA:GA; Cohort 2, GA:nAMD, each with (subfoveal) and without subfoveal (nonsubfoveal) involvement. Eyes with history of retinal disease other than AMD were excluded. Sensitivity analysis included patients who were managed by retina specialists and had a record of imaging within 30 days of diagnosis. Main Outcome Measures: Change in visual acuity (VA), occurrence of new-onset nAMD, and GA progression from nonsubfoveal to subfoveal. Results: In total, 69 441 patients were included: 44 120 (64%) GA:GA and 25 321 (36%) GA:nAMD. Otherwise eligible patients (57 788) were excluded due to follow-up < 24 months. In both GA:GA and GA:nAMD cohorts, nonsubfoveal study eyes had better mean (standard deviation) VA at index (67 [19.3] and 66 [20.3] letters) than subfoveal eyes (59 [23.9] and 47 [26.9] letters), and 24-month mean VA changes were similar for nonsubfoveal (-7.6 and -6.2) and subfoveal (-7.9 and -6.5) subgroups. Progression to subfoveal GA occurred in 16.7% of nonsubfoveal study eyes in the GA:GA cohort and 12.5% in the GA:nAMD cohort. More new-onset study-eye nAMD was observed in the GA:nAMD (21.6%) versus GA:GA (8.2%) cohorts. Sensitivity analysis supported the robustness of the observations in the study. Conclusions: This retrospective analysis describes the natural progression of GA lesions and the decline in VA associated with the disease. Financial Disclosures: Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Biosimilars for retinal diseases: United States-Europe awareness survey (Bio-USER - survey).

PURPOSE: To assess the awareness of biosimilar intravitreal anti-VEGF agents among retina specialists practicing in the United States (US) and Europe. METHODS: A 16-question online survey was created in English and distributed between Dec 01, 2021 and Jan 31, 2022. A total of 112 respondents (retinal physicians) from the US and Europe participated. RESULTS: The majority of the physicians (56.3%) were familiar with anti-VEGF biosimilars. A significant number of physicians needed more information (18.75%) and real world data (25%) before switching to a biosimilar. About one half of the physicians were concerned about biosimilar safety (50%), efficacy (58.9 %), immunogenicity (50%), and their efficacy with extrapolated indications (67.8 %). Retinal physicians from the US were less inclined to shift from off-label bevacizumab to biosimilar ranibizumab or on-label bevacizumab (if approved) compared to physicians from Europe (p=0.0001). Furthermore, physicians from the US were more concerned about biosimilar safety (p=0.0371) and efficacy compared to Europe (p= 0.0078). CONCLUSIONS: The Bio-USER survey revealed that while the majority of retinal physicians need additional information regarding the safety, efficacy and immunogenicity when making clinical decisions regarding their use. Retinal physicians from US are more comfortable in continuing to use off-label bevacizumab compared to physicians from Europe.

The 0.19-mg Fluocinolone Acetonide Intravitreal Implant Reduces Treatment Burden in Diabetic Macular Edema.

PURPOSE: To assess treatment burden in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) after the 0.19-mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) intravitreal implant (ILUVIEN). DESIGN: Prospective and retrospective analyses of a 36-month, phase 4, open-label, observational study. METHODS: Setting: Multicenter. PATIENT POPULATION: Included patients had DME and previously received corticosteroid treatment without a clinically significant rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) (N = 202 eyes in 159 patients). Patients were not randomized. OBSERVATION PROCEDURES: Prospective, observational treatment burden data were analyzed for their relationship to safety and functional efficacy outcomes across 36 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes included the mean number of yearly treatments, supplemental-free probability over time, best-corrected visual acuity, and monitoring of IOP-related events. RESULTS: Over 36 months, the mean number of yearly treatments decreased from 3.5 before FAc to 1.7 after FAc; at 36 months, 68.3% of patients required 0 to 2 treatments per year. After FAc, the percentage of eyes requiring supplemental therapy decreased vs before FAc (P < .0001 for each). Through 36 months, 25% of FAc-treated eyes did not require supplemental treatment. At 36 months, mean best-corrected visual acuity increased by 4.5 letters vs a decline of 6.4 letters in the 36 months before FAc. IOP elevations >25 mm Hg occurred in 18.2% of eyes that did not receive supplemental treatment after FAc vs 27.2% of eyes that received supplemental treatments, which included additional intraocular steroids. CONCLUSIONS: Over 36 months, the FAc implant is associated with improved visual outcomes and better disease control as measured by a significant reduction in yearly treatment burden in patients with DME.

A Phase I, Single Ascending Dose Study of GEM103 (Recombinant Human Complement Factor H) in Patients with Geographic Atrophy.

Purpose: To establish the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of an intravitreal injection of recombinant human complement factor H (CFH), GEM103, in individuals with genetically defined age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and geographic atrophy (GA). Design: Phase I single ascending-dose, open-label clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT04246866). Participants: Twelve individuals 50 years of age or older with a confirmed diagnosis of foveal GA in the study eye. Methods: Participants were assigned to the increasing dose cohorts and received 1 50-µl intravitreal injection of GEM103 at doses of 50 µg/eye, 100 µg/eye, 250 µg/eye, or 500 µg/eye; dose escalation was dependent on the occurrence of dose-limiting toxicities. Main Outcome Measures: Safety assessments included ocular and systemic adverse events (AEs), ocular examinations, clinical laboratory and vital signs, and serum antidrug antibody levels. Biomarkers, measured in the aqueous humor (AH), included CFH and complement activation biomarkers factor Ba and complement component 3a. Results: No dose-limiting toxicities were reported, enabling escalation to the maximum study dose. No anti-GEM103 antidrug antibodies were detected during the study. Four participants experienced AEs; these were nonserious, mild or moderate in severity, and unrelated to GEM103. The AEs in 2 of these participants were related to the intravitreal injection procedure. No clinically significant ophthalmic changes and no ocular inflammation were observed. Visual acuity was maintained and stable throughout the 8-week follow-up period. No choroidal neovascularization occurred. CFH levels increased in a dose-dependent manner after GEM103 administration with supraphysiological levels observed at week 1; levels were more than baseline for 8 weeks or more in all participants receiving single doses of 100 µg or more. Complement activation biomarkers were reduced 7 days after dose administration. Conclusions: A single intravitreal administration of GEM103 (up to 500 µg/eye) was well tolerated in individuals with GA. Of the few mild or moderate AEs reported, none were determined to be related to GEM103. No intraocular inflammation or choroidal neovascularization developed. CFH levels in AH were increased and stable for 8 weeks, with pharmacodynamic data suggesting that GEM103 restored complement regulation. These results support further development in a repeat-dose trial in patients with GA with AMD.

Relationship between retinal fluid characteristics and vision in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: HARBOR post hoc analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between retinal fluid location, amount/severity, and vision with ranibizumab-treated neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). METHODS: In the phase 3 HARBOR trial (NCT00891735), treatment-naive patients with nAMD received ranibizumab 0.5 or 2.0 mg through month 24. This post hoc analysis included eyes with subretinal fluid (SRF) and/or intraretinal fluid (IRF) at screening, baseline, or week 1, and optical coherence tomography data at months 12 and 24 (n = 917). Outcomes were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) change from baseline and proportion of eyes with 20/40 or better vision at months 12 and 24. Eyes were stratified by the location, amount, and/or severity of fluid. RESULTS: At baseline, 86% and 63% of eyes had SRF and IRF, respectively. Among eyes with residual SRF, mean BCVA gains at each time point were greater in eyes with central versus noncentral SRF; location did not affect the odds of having 20/40 or better vision over 24 months. Eyes with 20/40 or better BCVA at month 12 had significantly lower SRF thickness versus eyes with worse vision; however, no difference was apparent at month 24. Vision was comparatively worse in eyes with residual IRF at months 12 and 24; location and severity did not appear to affect this outcome. CONCLUSION: Residual IRF was associated with worse vision outcomes, regardless of location/severity, whereas, despite continued treatment, residual SRF was not associated with worse vision outcome at 24 months, regardless of location/thickness. These data suggest complex relationships between residual fluid, severity, and vision.

Prospective, Longitudinal Study: Daily Self-Imaging with Home OCT for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the performance of the Notal Vision Home OCT (NVHO) system for daily self-imaging at home and characterize the retinal fluid dynamics of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SUBJECTS: Fifteen participants who had at least 1 eye with nAMD and underwent anti-VEGF treatments. METHODS: The participants performed daily self-imaging at home using NVHO for 3 months. The scans were uploaded to the cloud, analyzed using the Notal OCT Analyzer (NOA), evaluated by human experts for fluid presence, and compared with in-office OCT scans. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Weekly self-scan rate, image quality, scan duration, agreement between NOA and human expert grading for fluid presence, agreement between NVHO and in-office OCT scans for fluid presence, central subfield thickness (CST) and retinal fluid volume, and the characteristics of fluid dynamics during the study and in response to treatments. RESULTS: The mean weekly scan frequency was 5.7 ± 0.9 scans per week, and 93% of the scans were eligible for NOA analyses. The median scan time was 42 seconds. The NOA and human experts agreed on the fluid status in 83% of the scans, and discrepancies were limited to trace amounts of fluid. The NVHO scans analyzed using NOA and the in-office OCT scans graded by human experts agreed on the fluid status in 96% of the cases. The CST and retinal fluid volume measurements using the home OCT and in-office OCT scans demonstrated a Pearson correlation coefficient of r = 0.90 and r = 0.92, respectively. Novel parameters, such as retinal fluid volume and area under the curve (AUC) of retinal fluid volume, demonstrated wide variations in fluid exudation and fluid load over time among the patients. Parameters such as the rate of reduction in fluid volume in the first week after treatment and AUC between treatments captured the speed and duration of the response to anti-VEGF agents. CONCLUSIONS: Daily home OCT imaging is feasible among patients with nAMD. It demonstrated good agreement with human expert grading for retinal fluid identification and excellent agreement with the in-clinic OCT scans. Home OCT allows for detailed graphical and mathematical analyses of retinal fluid volume trajectories, including novel parameters to inform clinical decision making.

Drivers of and Barriers to Adherence to Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Macular Edema Treatment Management Plans: A Multi-National Qualitative Study.

Purpose: Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) patients treated with intravitreally injected anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) monotherapies achieve lower vision improvements compared with patients in clinical trials. This qualitative research study aimed to better understand the real-world anti-VEGF treatment experience from nAMD and DME patients', caregivers', and retina specialists' perspectives. Methods: One-time, semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted with adult patients with nAMD or DME treated with anti-VEGF injections for ≥12 months, their caregivers, and experienced retina specialists. Interview transcripts were analyzed qualitatively using a thematic analysis approach. Results: A total of 49 nAMD and 46 DME patients, 47 nAMD and 33 DME caregivers, and 62 retina specialists were interviewed in the USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Most (79%) patients and caregivers reported disruptions to their routine on the day before, the day of, or the day after anti-VEGF injection. Seven nAMD patients (14%) and 14 DME patients (30%) reported having missed an injection visit. The most frequently reported driver for adherence for patients was the doctor-patient relationship (n=66, 70%), whereas for caregivers, it was the ease of booking an appointment (n=25, 32%). Retina specialists reported patient education on the treatment (n=28, 45%) as the most important driver. Treatment barriers could be grouped into four categories: tolerability, clinical factors, logistical parameters and human factors. The most frequently reported barrier to adherence for patients and caregivers was related to side effects (pain/discomfort/irritation: n=63, 67% of patients; n=52, 66% of caregivers), whereas for retina specialists it was logistical parameters (travel logistics: n=44, 71%). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of the doctor-patient relationship and patient education as key drivers, and treatment tolerability and logistics as key barriers to treatment adherence. Improved doctor-patient relationship/communication and patient education together with new therapies offering convenience, long-acting effectiveness, and better tolerability may improve treatment adherence.

Archway Randomized Phase 3 Trial of the Port Delivery System with Ranibizumab for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Port Delivery System with ranibizumab (PDS) for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). DESIGN: Phase 3, open-label, randomized, visual acuity assessor-masked noninferiority and equivalence trial. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with nAMD diagnosed within 9 months of screening previously treated with and responsive to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. METHODS: Patients were randomized 3:2 to treatment with the PDS with ranibizumab 100 mg/ml with fixed 24-week (Q24W) refill-exchanges (PDS Q24W) or intravitreal ranibizumab 0.5-mg injections every 4 weeks (monthly ranibizumab). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary end point was change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letter (letters) score from baseline averaged over weeks 36 and 40 (noninferiority margin,-4.5 letters; equivalence margin, ±4.5 letters). RESULTS: Archway enrolled 418 patients; 251 were randomized to and 248 received treatment with the PDS Q24W, and 167 were randomized to and received treatment with monthly ranibizumab. Baseline BCVA was 74.4 letters (PDS Q24W arm) and 75.5 letters (monthly ranibizumab arm; Snellen equivalent, 20/32). Adjusted mean change in BCVA score from baseline averaged over weeks 36 and 40 was +0.2 letters (standard error [SE], 0.5 letters) in the PDS Q24W arm and +0.5 letters (SE, 0.6 letters) in the monthly ranibizumab arm (difference, -0.3 letters; 95% confidence interval, -1.7 to 1.1 letters). PDS Q24W was both noninferior and equivalent to monthly ranibizumab. Of 246 PDS-treated patients assessed for supplemental ranibizumab treatment, 242 (98.4%) did not receive supplemental ranibizumab treatment before the first refill-exchange procedure, including 4 patients who discontinued treatment before the first refill-exchange procedure. Prespecified ocular adverse events of special interest were reported in 47 patients (19.0%) in the PDS Q24W arm and 10 patients (6.0%) in the monthly ranibizumab arm, which included, in the former arm, 4 (1.6%) endophthalmitis cases, 2 (0.8%) retinal detachments, 13 (5.2%) vitreous hemorrhages, 6 (2.4%) conjunctival erosions, and 5 (2.0%) conjunctival retractions. Most ocular adverse events in the PDS Q24W arm occurred within 1 month of implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Archway met its primary objective and PDS Q24W demonstrated noninferior and equivalent efficacy to monthly ranibizumab, with 98.4% of PDS-treated patients not receiving supplemental treatment in the first 24-week interval.

Effect of Residual Retinal Fluid on Visual Function in Ranibizumab-Treated Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between retinal fluid and vision in ranibizumab-treated patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). DESIGN: Clinical cohort study using post hoc analysis of clinical trial data. METHODS: We assessed data from HARBOR (NCT00891735), a phase III, randomized, controlled trial. We reviewed 917 patients ≥50 years of age with subfoveal nAMD associated with subretinal (SRF) and/or intraretinal fluid (IRF) at baseline, screening, or week 1. The intervention was intravitreal ranibizumab 0.5 or 2.0 mg (all treatment arms pooled). Outcomes included mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and BCVA change from baseline at months (M) 12 and 24 evaluated by the presence/absence of SRF and/or IRF. RESULTS: Baseline BCVA was higher with residual vs resolved SRF at M12 (mean [95% confidence interval {CI}] 58.8 letters [57.2-60.4] vs 53.5 [52.4-54.5]) and M24 (59.3 letters [57.8-60.8] vs 53.5 [52.5-54.5]). Mean BCVA change (adjusted for baseline) to M12 was greater with residual vs resolved SRF (mean difference [95% CI], +2.4 letters [+0.1 to +4.7]), but lower with residual vs resolved IRF (-3.5 letters [-5.8 to -1.2]). Eyes with residual SRF (no IRF) exhibited the largest mean BCVA gains (M12, +14.1 letters; M24, +13.2 letters), followed by resolved SRF/IRF (M12, +10.6 letters; M24, +10.0 letters), residual SRF/IRF (M12, +7.2 letters; M24, +8.5 letters), and residual IRF only (M12, +5.5 letters; M24, +3.6 letters). CONCLUSIONS: Vision outcomes (adjusted for baseline BCVA) through M24 were better in ranibizumab-treated eyes with residual vs resolved SRF, and worse with residual vs resolved IRF. Presence of residual retinal fluid requires a more complex and nuanced assessment and interpretation in the context of nAMD management.

Real-World Performance of a Self-Operated Home Monitoring System for Early Detection of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

The real-world performance of a home telemonitoring strategy (ForeseeHome AMD Monitoring System®, Notal Vision, Inc.,Manassas VA, USA) was evaluated and compared to the device arm of the AREDS2-HOME study among patients with intermediate AMD (iAMD) who converted to neovascular AMD (nAMD). All patients with confirmed conversion to nAMD who used the home monitoring system from 10/2009 through 9/2018 were identified by Notal Vision Diagnostic Clinic's medical records. Selected outcome variables were evaluated, including visual acuity (VA) at baseline and at conversion, and change in visual acuity (VA) from baseline to time of conversion. In total, 8991 patients performed 3,200,999 tests at a frequency of 5.6 ± 3.2 times/week. The 306 eyes that converted from iAMD to nAMD over the study period (a 2.7% annual rate) were included in the analyses. There was a median (interquartile range) change of -3.0 (0.0-(-10.0)) letters among converted eyes, 81% [95% confidence interval (72-88%)] maintained a VA ≥ 20/40 at the time of conversion, while 69% of the conversion detections were triggered by system alerts. The real-world performance of an at-home testing strategy was similar to that reported for the device arm of the AREDS2-HOME study. The home telemonitoring system can markedly increase early detection of conversion to nAMD.

Two-year interim safety results of the 0.2 µg/day fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema: the observational PALADIN study.

BACKGROUND: The 0.2 µg/day fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant delivers continuous, low-dose, intravitreal corticosteroid for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DMO). This ongoing, 3-year, observational clinical trial provides long-term, 'real-world' safety results for the FAc implant in DMO. METHODS: This 24-month interim analysis of a prospective, observational study investigated patients with DMO receiving the commercially available intravitreal 0.2 µg/day FAc implant. The primary outcome was incidence of intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering procedures. Other IOP-related signals and their relationship to previous corticosteroid exposure, best-corrected visual acuity, central subfield thickness (CST), ocular adverse events and frequency of other treatments were also measured. RESULTS: Data were collected from 95 previously steroid-challenged patients (115 study eyes) for up to 36 months pre-FAc and 24 months post-FAc implant. Mean IOP for the overall population remained stable post-FAc compared with pre-FAc implant. IOP-related procedures remained infrequent (two IOP-lowering surgeries pre-FAc; two trabeculoplasties and four IOP-lowering surgeries post-FAc). Mean visual acuity was stable post-FAc (mean improvement of 1-3 letters) and fewer DMO treatments were required per year following FAc implant. Mean CST was significantly reduced at 24 months post-FAc implant (p<0.001) and the percentage of patients with CST ≤300 µm was significantly increased (p=0.041). CONCLUSION: Few IOP-related procedures were reported during the 24 months post-FAc implant. Positive efficacy outcomes were noted after treatment, with stabilisation of vision and reduction in inflammation, demonstrated by CST. The FAc implant has a favourable benefit-risk profile in the management of DMO, especially when administered after a prior steroid challenge. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02424019.