Prefilled syringes preferred over vials for anti-VEGF therapy due to speed and safety

Prefilled syringes (PFS) for administering anti-VEGF treatments in retinal diseases offer significant advantages over traditional vial-based injections, including shorter preparation times, higher clinician preference due to ease of use and safety, and a notably lower risk of serious eye infections like endophthalmitis, according to a study.

The review analyzed 36 publications that compared the use of PFS and vials for administering anti-VEGFs including ranibizumab, aflibercept, and brolucizumab. Key findings found that preparation times were significantly shorter with PFS, ranging from 40.3 to 57.9 seconds, compared to 62.8 to 98.0 seconds for vials. Clinicians also showed a strong preference for PFS, citing them as faster, easier to use, and safer than vials.

Researchers also noted the rates of endophthalmitis per injection were consistently lower with PFS compared to vials. However, 4 publications noted a higher incidence of transient vision loss following injections with aflibercept PFS versus vial-based injections.

Reference
Uzzan J, Mapani A, Cox O, et al. Clinical Outcomes and Experiences with Prefilled Syringes Versus Vials for Intravitreal Administration of Anti-VEGF Treatments: A Systematic Review. Ophthalmol Ther. 2024;doi: 10.1007/s40123-024-01002-0. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39066961.