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Opinion|Videos|July 22, 2026

Future Access Strategies in Retinal Vascular Diseases

Payer step therapy and formulary limits reshape anti‑VEGF care—often raising long‑term costs and risking outcomes without doctor–payer alignment.

Episodes in this series

In the final episode, “Future Access Strategies in Retinal Vascular Diseases,” the panelists explored how emerging anti-VEGF therapies with extended durability may reshape payer strategies, treatment utilization, and long-term management approaches for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). The expert faculty discussed how second-generation anti-VEGF therapies, including faricimab and aflibercept 8 mg, are already helping extend treatment intervals and potentially reduce healthcare resource utilization over time.

During the discussion, the panel examined how therapies with greater durability may alter cost structures across the continuum of care. While newer agents may increase costs during initial loading phases, the expert faculty highlighted the potential for lower treatment frequency, fewer office visits, and reduced long-term healthcare utilization in maintenance phases of care. The panel also reviewed how these shifts may influence future payer coverage and formulary strategies.

In addition, the panel explored future therapeutic options under investigation, including longer-acting injectable therapies with projected six-month dosing intervals, as well as emerging gene therapy approaches designed to provide multiyear durability. The expert faculty emphasized that while many of these technologies remain investigational, they may transform retinal vascular disease management in the future.

The panel also discussed the growing biosimilar landscape and its potential impact on treatment access, healthcare economics, and formulary decision-making. Throughout the episode, the expert faculty highlighted the importance of balancing innovation, affordability, and sustainable patient access as the retinal vascular disease treatment landscape continues to evolve. Thank you for watching this AJMC series on retinal vascular diseases. Please subscribe to our newsletter for information on upcoming video series.