In October 2021, the FDA approved Susvimo (ranibizumab injection) for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration. Now, shares WFMZ, Dr. Chin Yee from Georgia Retina has performed the first Susvimo implantation within Georgia following this approval. Georgia Retina, which has 12 locations within the state, is one of the largest medical practices within the southeastern US that focuses on solely the retina.
About Susvimo
According to a media release from Roche, Susvimo is:
the first nAMD treatment in 15 years to provide an alternative to standard-of-care eye injections needed as often as once a month. By continuously delivering medicine into the eye through a refillable implant, Susvimo may help people with nAMD maintain their vision with as few as two treatments per year.
Susvimo is also designed for patients who have, in the past, responded to at least two different VEGF injections. As the quote above explains, Susvimo is first implanted into the eye. Next, this implant helps provide medication delivery straight into the eye. This may be a more accessible option for patients and reduce the burden and time associated with the current standards-of-care. Additionally, the surgical implantation only takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, shares Georgia Retina.
If you are in Georgia and looking to speak with Georgia Retina about Susvimo, you may call 888-427-3846. If you are outside of Georgia but still looking to discuss Susvimo, please speak with your medical professional.
Wet Macular Degeneration
There are two forms of macular degeneration, a type of eye disease: wet and dry. Typically, macular degeneration always begins as dry macular degeneration, though it may progress to become wet. Only around 20% of those with macular degeneration have wet macular degeneration. In wet age-related macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels grow into a part of the eye called the macula. Then, these abnormal blood vessels begin leaking blood or fluid. This causes scarring, blurred vision, blind spots, or vision loss. Risk factors for wet macular degeneration include age (55+), a family history of wet macular degeneration, being Caucasian, being obese, or having cardiovascular disease. Although wet macular degeneration often has a sudden onset, it can be treated if caught early on. Possible symptoms and characteristics include:
- Difficulty with facial recognition
- Reduced central vision
- Visual distortions (such as straight lines appearing bent)
- Less bright or intense colors
- Blurry spots within the field of vision
- Difficulty adjusting to low light and/or requiring brighter light to perform activities like reading
- Increased blurriness of printed words
Learn more about wet macular degeneration.
