Intravitreal Faricimab in posterior segment pathologies: A retrospective clinical review of efficacy, durability and safety

Abstract

Objective: To assess the real-world efficacy and safety of intravitreal Faricimab in the Pakistani population with posterior segment diseases such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), evaluating improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), retinal fluid status, along with safety profile and treatment dynamics in naïve and switch populations in Pakistan.

Methodology: A retrospective chart review was done from December 2024 to November 2025 at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad receiving at least one intravitreal injection with follow-up visit. Details regarding patient demographics, diagnosis, previous treatment interval in switch patients, BCVA, OCT-based anatomical outcomes (CMT, intra/subretinal fluid), injection frequency, and safety events were obtained. A total of 18 eyes from 15 patients (nAMD n=16; DME n=2) were identified. Patients were sorted as treatment-naïve or switched from prior anti-VEGF agents.

Results: Mean baseline and post-injection VA and CMT were calculated. Median interval between intravitreal Faricimab injections was eight weeks (range 4-16 weeks). Before receiving Faricimab, mean baseline VA was 0.44±0.36 and mean baseline CMT was 253.24±59.7µm. Post injections mean VA improved to 0.35±0.29, with mean CMT reducing to 200.3±40.1µm. No serious ocular or systemic adverse events were observed.

Conclusion: Our study showed Faricimab to be effective in improving visual and anatomical outcomes in patients with nAMD and DME with an acceptable safety profile and longer dosing intervals. Although several large-scale international studies with long follow-up have established faricimab efficacy and safety, further studies in the local context are needed for a definitive conclusion.