Faricimab: A Novel Bispecific Antibody for Wet AMD

In this interview from AAO 2018, Dr. Arshad Khanani discusses topline results from the phase 2 STAIRWAY trial of faricimab in the treatment of wet AMD. The novel drug (formerly known as RG7716) is the first bispecific antibody designed specifically for intravitreal use, simultaneously neutralizing both angiopoietin-2 and VEGF-A. The 52-week study assessed 12 and 16-week dosing regimens of faricimab compared with monthly ranibizumab. At week 24, 65% of patients in the faricimab arms had no disease activity. Vision gains were comparable between groups (+11.4 letters in the 16-week faricimab group, +10.1 letters in the 12-week faricimab group, +9.6 letters in the monthly ranibizumab group). According to Dr. Khanani, this new antibody has the potential to significantly reduce injection burden for patients with wet AMD.

Relevant Financial Disclosures: Dr. Khanani is a consultant for, receives grant support and receives lecture fees from Genentech