Faricimab: an investigational agent targeting the Tie-2/angiopoietin pathway and VEGF-A for the treatment of retinal diseases

@article{Nicol2021FaricimabAI,
  title={Faricimab: an investigational agent targeting the Tie-2/angiopoietin pathway and VEGF-A for the treatment of retinal diseases},
  author={Massimo Nicol{\`o} and Lorenzo Ferro Desideri and Aldo Vagge and Carlo E Traverso},
  journal={Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs},
  year={2021},
  volume={30},
  pages={193 - 200}
}
ABSTRACT Introduction Intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs represent the first-line treatment option for wet age-related macular degeneration (w-AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME); however, the frequent injection intervals have illuminated to the necessity for new molecules allowing a more prolonged treatment regimen. Faricimab is a promising bispecific drug targeting VEGF-A and the Ang-Tie/pathway. Phase II STAIRWAY and AVENUE Trials showed its clinical efficacy… 
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25 Citations
Background Citations
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25 Citations

The emerging role of the Angiopoietin-Tie pathway as therapeutic target for treating retinal diseases
TLDR
Among the investigational drugs targeting the Ang/Tie pathway, faricimab has shown promising results in phase II/III trials and in the near future may represent a viable treatment option for the management of exudative macular diseases.
Molecular Features of Classic Retinal Drugs, Retinal Therapeutic Targets and Emerging Treatments
TLDR
A systematic review of the current literature available in the MEDLINE library, focusing on current intravitreal molecules and on new emerging therapies, describes the molecular features of classic retinal drugs, highlighting the main therapeutic targets, and provides an overview of new emerging molecules.
Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents for the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy: A Review of the Literature
TLDR
Although anti-VEGF agents are the gold standard in the treatment of DME and seem to improve DR severity, challenges in their use exist and should be taken into account in the decision of treatment, based on an individualized approach.
ANGPTL4 influences the therapeutic response of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration by promoting choroidal neovascularization
TLDR
The findings provide an assay that can help predict the response of patients with nvAMD to anti-VEGF monotherapy and suggest that therapies targeting both ANGPTL4 and VEGF will be a more effective approach for the treatment of this blinding disease.
Retinal vein occlusion: drug targets and therapeutic implications
TLDR
Advances in the understanding of the biomolecular characteristics of RVO offer a solid basis for the development of new therapeutic targets and treatments, focusing on current therapeutic options and potential cornerstones of future advances in treatment.
Future Perspectives for Antiangiogenic Therapy in Retinal Diseases
TLDR
The literature data on new anti-VEGF drugs being developed and ready for release are summarized to make it possible to reduce the injection load on the patient and optimize their material costs.
VEGF-targeting drugs for the treatment of retinal neovascularization in diabetic retinopathy.
TLDR
There is an overall agreement regarding the relative advantage provided by anti-VEGF, especially looking at the management of PDR patients requiring vitrectomy, with respect to laser.
Biomarkers as Predictive Factors of Anti-VEGF Response
TLDR
It is proposed that genomic, proteomic and/or metabolomic markers could be used not alone but in combination with other methods, such as specific clinic characteristics, to identify patients with a poor response to anti-VEGF treatment to establish patient-specific treatment plans.
A narrative review on the role of abicipar in age-related macular degeneration
TLDR
Abicipar pegol (Allergan, Dublin, Ireland) is a DARPin that interlocks all VEGF-A isoforms, making it a feasible anti-VEGF agent, which aims to improve outcomes, safety, and treatment burden of abicipar.
Towards the Development of Longer and More Efficacious Therapies for Wet and Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration
TLDR
An overview of the current state of the art and future perspectives for the management of dry and wet AMD is provided.
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