From the FDA Drug Label
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE CIMERLI is indicated for the treatment of patients with:
1.1 Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
The recommended treatment approach for patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using the Susvimo implant involves initial treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab injections before transitioning to the implant, as supported by the most recent study 1. This approach is based on the principle of ensuring treatment response and tolerance to ranibizumab before implanting the Susvimo device, which delivers a continuous dose of ranibizumab (100 mg/mL) and requires refilling approximately every 6 months. The key benefits of the Susvimo system include:
- Reduced frequency of interventions compared to monthly injections
- Potential for improved long-term visual outcomes due to consistent therapeutic drug levels in the eye
- Decreased treatment burden for patients with neovascular AMD who have demonstrated response to anti-VEGF therapy but struggle with frequent injections Patients should be monitored regularly for potential complications, including:
- Endophthalmitis
- Retinal detachment
- Implant dislocation
- Conjunctival erosion The importance of keeping refill appointments to maintain therapeutic efficacy cannot be overstated, as it ensures continuous delivery of the medication and minimizes the risk of complications. According to the study 1, the Susvimo implant has been shown to be effective in resolving foveal thickness, macular volume, and subretinal fluid in patients with neovascular AMD, making it a viable treatment option for patients who require ongoing anti-VEGF therapy.