Minimizing Injection Burden: Anti-VEGF Innovation for Retinal Disease Management

Program Description

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (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. Diabetic macular edema (DME), a complication of diabetic retinopathy, results from leaky vessels in the macula, rather than the retina. Both diseases share a similar pathophysiology, and the same class of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies has proved efficacious for both nAMD and DME. These therapies are now considered to be the gold standard for treatment of these diseases. These treatments are effective, and it is important for pharmacists to address patient challenges such as frequent injections, limited access, adverse effects, and high costs, which can impact adherence, quality of life, and treatment outcomes. Education on the latest clinical advances in treatments for nAMD/DME, along with strategies for reducing injection burden and improving medication access, can equip specialty and managed care pharmacists with the tools to strengthen their clinical decision-making, expand their expertise in these disease states, and support patients in improving visual outcomes. This activity will review recent clinical trial data and real-world evidence on the safety and efficacy of extended-dosing intervals for anti-VEGF agents, techniques for counseling patients with nAMD/DME, and a pharmacist’s role in supporting patients through prior authorizations. Pharmacists can use this education to better support the eye care team by assessing the benefits and risks of alternative dosing schedules based on individual patient factors, recommending strategies to patients and providers to increase access to medications, and providing patients with the most accurate, up-to-date counseling points on their medications.

Target audience: Managed care and specialty pharmacists

Type of Activity: Application
Release date: December 11, 2025

Expiration date: December 11, 2026

Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate

Time to complete activity: 1.5 hour

Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

1. Explore clinical trial data and patient-specific factors to guide selection and dosing of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents for individuals with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD)
2. Identify strategies to counsel patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) on adherence to anti-VEGF therapy and its impact on visual outcomes
3. Examine clinical data on the efficacy, safety, and extended dosing intervals of long-acting anti-VEGF therapies into formulary decisions and optimize nAMD treatment
4. Analyze the comparative effectiveness and safety profiles of long-acting anti-VEGF agents to support prior authorization and individualized treatment planning in patients with DME