Aflibercept and conbercept outperform ranibizumab in treating macular edema due to RVO

A new study evaluating the anatomical and functional outcomes and negative effects of the 3 anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs— conbercept, ranibizumab, and aflibercept—in the treatment of macular edema (ME) due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO), found that aflibercept and conbercept were more effective in improving mean change in vision and reducing CMT compared to ranibizumab in the short term (1 month).

However, there was no significant difference in long-term outcomes (6 months and 12-24 months) between aflibercept, conbercept, and ranibizumab.

Other important takeaways included:-Aflibercept and conbercept showed better visual acuity effects compared to ranibizumab at 1 month after treatment.owever.

-There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients gaining ≥15 letters at 12-24 months between aflibercept and ranibizumab.

-Conbercept had higher mean central macular thickness (CMT) change effects at 1 month and 6 months compared to ranibizumab.

-There was no statistically significant difference in adverse events among the 3 treatments.

-Aflibercept and conbercept required fewer injections compared to ranibizumab.

Reference

Xing Q, Dai YN, Huang XB, et al. Comparison of efficacy of conbercept, aflibercept, and ranibizumab ophthalmic injection in the treatment of macular edema caused by retinal vein occlusion: a Meta-analysis. Int J Ophthalmol. 2023;16(7):1145-1154. doi: 10.18240/ijo.2023.07.21. PMID: 37465496; PMCID: PMC10333252.