LONG-TERM EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF FARICIMAB VERSUS ANTI-VEGF IN NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: A META-ANALYSIS AND SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading global cause of irreversible vision loss in older adults, primarily affecting the macula. Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration (nAMD) is treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. Faricimab, a dual inhibitor of VEGF and angiopoietin-2, has been developed to improve durability and anatomical outcomes. This study evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of faricimab compared with anti-VEGF monotherapy in nAMD. A systematic search of the past 10 years identified five eligible papers, including four randomised controlled trials and one observational study. Data were pooled using Review Manager 5.4, and study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. No significant differences were observed in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at one and two years. However, faricimab demonstrated greater reductions in central subfield thickness (CST) (MD = −6.70; P < 0.001), choroidal neovascularisation area (CNV) (MD = −0.49; P < 0.001) and leakage area (MD = −0.88; P < 0.001). Adverse event rates were comparable. Faricimab shows non-inferior efficacy and safety with improved anatomical outcomes in nAMD.