Advancing Patient-Centered Care in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Macular Edema Through Specialty Pharmacy Support

This activity was originally presented live at Asembia's AXS26 Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada

Program Description

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are leading causes of vision loss that impose significant clinical and economic burdens for patients. While both conditions share the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway, they are each driven by different underlying pathophysiologic and systemic factors. Despite major advances with anti-VEGF agents, long-term management in nAMD and DME remains challenging due to limited durability of effect, the need for frequent intravitreal injections, and considerable adherence and logistical barriers that can compromise visual outcomes and increase health care costs. This program will equip pharmacists with the most recent clinical and real-world evidence on extended-durability anti-VEGF and dual-pathway therapies for nAMD and DME, as well as insights from pivotal trials and guideline recommendations supporting individualized, evidence-based treatment selection. Additionally, the session will highlight the value of pharmacist engagement in optimizing patient care with proven approaches to navigating access and coverage pathways, facilitating prior authorization processes, and identifying patient-specific barriers to enhance treatment continuity, improve adherence, and preserve visual acuity in these patients.

Target audience: Managed Care Pharmacist, Specialty Pharmacist
Type of activity: Application
Release date: May 12, 2026
Expiration date: May 12, 2027
Learner level: Intermediate
Time to complete activity: 1.5 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Explain the unmet needs and treatment burdens associated with conventional anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME)
• Analyze recent clinical trials and real-world data on the safety, effectiveness, and durability of current and emerging treatments for nAMD and DME
• Apply real-world evidence and patient-specific clinical factors to inform individualized treatment recommendations and support optimal care for patients with nAMD and DME