Hoffmann-La Roche Limited (Roche Canada) has announced that Vabysmo (faricimab injection) is now publicly funded for macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) on the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) list of medications. This development marks a significant milestone in expanding access to innovative retinal treatments for Quebec patients.
Expanded Coverage and Format Options
The latest funding update includes coverage for Vabysmo in a 6.0 mg single-use pre-filled syringe (PFS) format, providing patients with additional treatment options. Vabysmo received Health Canada authorization for treatment of macular edema secondary to RVO in July 2024, with the pre-filled syringe format receiving approval in December 2024.
RAMQ, established in 1970 following the adoption of Canada's universal health care system, serves as the cornerstone of healthcare in Quebec with the goal to eliminate cost as a barrier to accessing healthcare services.
Mechanism of Action and Global Approval Status
Vabysmo is a humanized bispecific immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) antibody that acts through inhibition of both Ang-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). In Canada, Vabysmo is authorized for the treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and macular edema secondary to RVO.
The drug has achieved broad international approval, with authorization in more than 100 countries for DME and nAMD, and in over 30 countries for macular edema following RVO.
Industry Impact and Market Position
Following this latest update, Vabysmo is now covered in Quebec for all three of its indications and in both available formats, including nAMD, DME, and macular edema secondary to RVO.
Recent data from Spherix Global Insights' syndicated RealTime Dynamix studies examining the competitive treatment landscape for nAMD and DME showed that Roche/Genentech's Vabysmo continues to lead in the retina market, earning strong marks for efficacy, physician satisfaction, and flexible dosing.
Additionally, Korean investigators reported that Vabysmo demonstrates effectiveness in real-world settings for patients with nAMD refractory to other anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatments.
Company Statement on Access
Carlene Todd, vice president of access at Roche Pharmaceuticals Canada, commented on the coverage expansion: "This expansion in coverage for people with RVO in Quebec is welcome news in our mission to advance eye care and provide innovative solutions for people living with serious retinal conditions. We are deeply committed to ensuring equitable and timely access to our treatments, ensuring that provinces across the country prioritize access to innovative medicines that will ultimately improve the lives of people impacted by vision loss."
