Expert Panel Consensus for Optimizing Outcomes in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Context of Suboptimal Response to a Biosimilar: The Role of Aflibercept.

Abstract

Purpose: The inclusion of ranibizumab biosimilars into National Health Service England commissioning recommendations published in 2022 created a need for expert guidance to optimize treatment outcomes in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) who otherwise may not have received first-line ranibizumab. This article provides a consensus treatment pathway supporting timely identification and management of a suboptimal response to these therapies, thereby aiming to facilitate clinically meaningful outcomes and efficient management of service capacity under specific circumstances where ranibizumab biosimilars may be initiated as a first-line treatment.

Methods: Two structured round-table meetings of UK medical retina specialists were held in person and virtually on September 22 and November 3, 2022, respectively. These meetings were organized and funded by Bayer.

Results: The panel provided guidance on the implementation of an early treatment optimization pathway in cases where ranibizumab biosimilars are used as a first-line treatment, including recommendations on patient suitability and capacity requirements, and criteria for identification and strategies for management of a suboptimal response. The panel discussed the role of aflibercept treatment and its potential benefits and outlined recommendations on switching ranibizumab biosimilar suboptimal responders to an aflibercept treat-and-extend regimen, where appropriate.

Conclusion: Developed by a retinal expert panel, this early treatment optimization pathway provides guidance to facilitate optimal long-term patient outcomes while addressing capacity and resourcing constraints in circumstances of first-line ranibizumab biosimilar use for nAMD, including how aflibercept may be used in cases with a suboptimal response. Therefore, this fills an important gap in guidance on navigating the new treatment landscape.