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Retina Specialists
Private Service, Ophthalmology
Vabysmo (Faricimab)
Vabysmo (faricimab) is the first bispecific antibody designed for the eye. It targets and inhibits two signalling pathways linked to several vision-threatening retinal conditions by neutralising angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). Ang-2 and VEGF-A contribute to vision loss by destabilising blood vessels, causing new leaky blood vessels to form and increasing inflammation. By blocking both pathways involving Ang-2 and VEGF-A, Vabysmo is designed to stabilise blood vessels.
This intravitreal injection can be used for (wet) neovascular age related macular degeneration, visual impairment due to diabetic macular oedema, visual impairment due to macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (branch or central) and visual impairment due to myopic choroidal neovascularisation. Faricimab is like Eylea but works slightly differently to it. Certain proteins in higher-than-normal levels can cause the growth of abnormal blood vessels or cause damage to the normal vessels at the back of the eye. These abnormal vessels can leak fluid into the eye causing swelling and vision loss. By blocking these proteins Faricimab helps reduce the leakage and thereby might maintain, or may even improve, your vision. Your condition will be regularly monitored by your doctor to make sure the treatment is working properly.
The medication is delivered by injection into the vitreous jelly which fills the eye. The injections need to be repeated monthly initially, the doctors will try to treat and extend which may allow for the frequency to be reduced, although close monitoring of the eye will still be required, and further injections are likely. It is registered for use in the eye but is not currently funded by Pharmac. More information about Vabysmo is available on the following website: https://www.roche.com/solutions/pharma/productid-0a6b3497-d8a2-4a5f-a2d4-b0ffa5769fea