Innovations in Retinal Therapies: A Managed Care Perspective on Anti-VEGF Advancements

Part of AMCP Nexus Satellites

Program Description

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic macular edema (DME), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO) are all retinal diseases that have similar pathology involving inflammation and leakage. nAMD occurs when an upregulation of inflammatory cytokines in the retina and choroid leads to the growth of leaky abnormal blood vessels, often resulting in swelling and fibrosis. DR occurs as a complication of diabetes, where damage to blood vessels causes blood and fluid to leak into the retina. It can lead to DME, where the fluid will leak and cause damage inside the macula. Similarly, RVO can manifest to different degrees based on a patient’s history of pre-existing arterial disease. Intravitreal VEGF inhibitors are the most effective treatment for these eye diseases, decreasing the growth of abnormal blood vessels and reducing leakage in the retina. While these treatments are effective, they present unique challenges that contribute to the overall disease burden for patients. Frequent injection appointments, limited access, adverse effects, and high treatment costs hinder adherence rates, leading to increased health care utilization. Managed care pharmacists play a key role in evaluating new and emerging therapies that offer greater durability, reduce treatment burden, and improve patient quality of life. This activity will add to that effort by highlighting real-world data and updates from recent conferences, addressing the challenges patients face when undergoing therapy for retinal diseases, and presenting strategies to apply clinical evidence in managed care decision-making to optimize outcomes, costs, and access to care.

Target Audience: Managed care pharmacists

Type of Activity: Application
Release date: November 7, 2025
Expiration date: November 7, 2026
Learner level: Intermediate
Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

1. Identify the clinical and economic burden of certain exudative retinal diseases and key challenges faced by patients and caregivers to inform managed care decision-making.
2. Break down the clinical data and real-world evidence for current and emerging anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and anti-Ang-2 treatments for retinal disease.
3. Employ evidence-based guidelines and real-world evidence to optimize treatment strategies for retinal diseases that balance efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and patient access within managed care settings.