Vabysmo proves effective for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy patients, including Koreans

Roche Korea released the interim results from the 16-week analysis of the phase 3b/4 SALWEEN study of Vabysmo (faricimab) in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) on Monday.

PCV is a common subtype of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in Asian patients. It affects the blood vessels under the retina and can cause significant vision loss. About half of Asian nAMD patients and up to 20 percent of Caucasian patients have PCV.

Results from the 16-week interim analysis, presented at the Asia-Pacific Vitreoretinal Society (APVRS) meeting in Singapore, showed that patients treated with Vabysmo improved their vision by an average of 7.8 letters (about 1.5 lines on the visual acuity chart). In addition, 80 percent of patients lost retinal fluid, and 51 percent of patients with nodular lesions had complete disappearance of abnormal blood vessels.

“PCV has been more difficult to prognose and treat compared to general nAMD,” said Professor Jemi Cheong, head of the Retinal Research Group at the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) and head of the Medical Retina Unit at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC). “This trial, designed to build on the TENAYA and LUCERNE studies, provides valuable insights for personalized treatment of patients with PCV.”

Dr. Lee Won-ki, director of Nune Eye Hospital, who participated in the SALWEEN study, said, “PCV is characterized by nodular lesions and branching vascular networks associated with neovascularization. We have seen a positive effect of Vabysmo treatment on retinal fluid loss and nodular lesions. As Korean patients also participated in the study, we believe the study's results will be of practical help in establishing treatment strategies for Korean PCV patients.”

The study, conducted in nine Asian countries, including Korea, involved 135 patients aged 50 and older. Patients received an initial monthly dose of Vabysmo for four 12-week cycles, with subsequent dose adjustments based on their condition. The study's results are expected to be published in 2026.