Real-world outcomes of a Ranibizumab biosimilar product (Ongavia) in neovascular age related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients switched from a reference Ranibizumab product (Lucentis)

Abstract

Purpose : To determine the structural,functional,safety outcomes and cost effectiveness of switching from Lucentis to Ongavia in patients requiring ongoing treatment for nAMD

Methods : Retrospective analysis of nAMD patients previously on treat-and-extend Lucentis who switched to Ongavia at Moorfields Eye Hospital,UK between 1/09/22 to 31/08/23.Patient demographics,number of injections,mean interval of last 3 injections until switch,best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),central subfield thickness(CST) at baseline and after each injection were assessed.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0.0 software.Cost effectiveness was estimated using internal pharmacy and finance records

Results : From a total of 129 eyes switched to Ongavia,80 were having injections for nAMD. Mean age was 81.3±7.7years, with females being 67.5%.The mean number of injections in the past 12months prior to switch was 6.1±2.4.The mean interval between the last 3 injections until switch was 8.3±2.8weeks.41.8% of eyes had dry macula on switch,55.7% had SRF and/or IRF and 2.5% had a new retinal haemorrhage.BCVA was reduced by 0.4±7.0 ETDRS letters,CST was increased by 4.3±38.0μm and the interval was extended to 9.4±4.6weeks after the first Ongavia,however these differences did not reach statistical significance. There was no statistically significant difference regarding BCVA,CST,presence of macular fluid and interval between injections in any of the visits.27.5% of eyes switched to another agent after Ongavia.17 eyes switched to Vabysmo and 5 switched back to Lucentis,with 3 of them due to poor response and 2 because of patient’s preference.5% of patients who were offered a switch from Lucentis to Ongavia declined despite extensive counselling from medical and pharmacy staff and are still on Lucentis.The most common reason cited was patient fear.We performed 345 injections during the first year of the switch and we saved £85,249.5.No episodes of inflammation were noted during the follow up period

Conclusions : Our study showed Ongavia to be non-inferior to Lucentis for nAMD.Our patients maintained visual acuity,anatomical outcomes,interval between injections and showed good tolerance with no safety concerns.Ongavia is an economically attractive treatment alternative and can lead to substantial cost savings to health-care systems worldwide

This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.