We investigated the factors associated with the success of switching to faricimab for type 1 macular neovascularization (MNV) refractory to intravitreal aflibercept (IVA). This retrospective cohort study included patients with type 1 MNV who were switched to faricimab because they were refractory to IVA at two centers. The primary endpoint was a more than two-week extension of the treatment interval after 6 months. In addition, factors related to the success or failure of extension and visual and anatomical outcomes were assessed. The analysis included 43 eyes from 43 patients. Extended dosing intervals of >2 weeks were identified in 14 eyes (32.6%). A short dosing interval before switching, absence of polypoidal lesions, and thin central choroidal thickness before switching were identified as factors involved in successful extension. For patients with refractory type 1 MNV, switching to faricimab is a safe and potential option to extend existing dosing intervals.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration (AMD); anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment; drug switch; intravitreal aflibercept (IVA); intravitreal faricimab (IVF); macular neovascularization (MNV); polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV); real-world date; refractory cases; treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen.