Eylea vs Vabysmo – A Comparison of Two New Anti-VEGF Treatments

Last Updated On: February 12, 2025

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatments have revolutionized the management of retinal diseases, significantly reducing vision loss and improving visual acuity. A study by Heier et al. (2022) highlights that anti-VEGF therapies are highly effective for conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) by inhibiting VEGF, a protein responsible for abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina.

Eylea and Vabysmo are two leading anti-VEGF treatments offering innovative solutions for retinal diseases. While both medications aim to preserve vision, they differ in formulation, dosing schedules, and mechanisms of action. Choosing between them is a vital consideration for patients and healthcare providers.

In this article, we will compare Eylea vs Vabysmo, analyzing their effectiveness, safety profiles, and treatment protocols to help determine the best option for managing retinal diseases.

Key Takeaways

• Eylea and Vabysmo are both anti-VEGF treatments designed to manage retinal diseases, helping to slow vision loss and improve visual acuity.
• Eylea works by inhibiting VEGF-A and placental growth factor (PIGF), reducing abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage.
• Vabysmo targets VEGF-A and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), potentially providing more extended treatment intervals and improving vascular stability.
• Clinical trials suggest that both medications are effective, but Vabysmo may reduce the number of required injections, enhancing patient convenience.
• Common side effects for both treatments include mild eye irritation, floaters, and temporary blurred vision, while rare risks include intraocular inflammation and retinal complications.

About: ​​Med Supply Solutions has been operating since 2016 and is known as one of the industry’s top and trusted suppliers of cosmetic and viscosupplementation products. Contact our sales department for more information about buying Eylea online. 

Mechanism of Action

Both Eylea and Vabysmo inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a key protein responsible for abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. However, they target different pathways, influencing their effectiveness and dosing schedules.

Eylea: VEGF and PIGF Inhibition

• Eylea (aflibercept) blocks both VEGF-A and placental growth factor (PIGF) to reduce abnormal vessel growth and fluid leakage in the retina.
• By inhibiting these proteins, Eylea helps control swelling, slow vision deterioration, and stabilize retinal conditions.
• It is FDA-approved for wet AMD, DME, and RVO, offering a well-established treatment option.

Vabysmo: Dual Pathway Targeting

• Vabysmo (faricimab) inhibits VEGF-A and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), a protein linked to blood vessel instability and inflammation.
• By blocking Ang-2, Vabysmo strengthens blood vessel integrity, reducing leakage and inflammation.
• This dual-targeted approach may allow for longer treatment intervals, decreasing the frequency of injections compared to other anti-VEGF therapies.

Clinical Efficacy and Injection Frequency

Eylea is typically administered every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the condition and patient response. Clinical trials, including the VIEW studies, have shown that this regimen improves vision and controls disease. However, patients should be aware of the potential Eylea side effects, such as temporary vision disturbances or mild eye discomfort.

Vabysmo offers a longer dosing interval, with some patients maintaining disease stability for 12 to 16 weeks between injections. TENAYA and LUCERNE trials demonstrated that Vabysmo provides similar vision improvements to Eylea but requires fewer injections overall.

This extended dosing schedule makes Vabysmo a more convenient option for patients who need frequent injections. Fewer treatments may improve adherence and enhance the quality of life for individuals managing chronic retinal conditions.

Safety Profiles and Side Effects

While both Eylea and Vabysmo are generally well-tolerated, they may cause side effects that require monitoring.

Eylea Side Effects

• Common: Mild eye discomfort, redness, floaters, or temporary blurred vision.
• Serious (Rare): Increased intraocular pressure, retinal detachment, or intraocular inflammation.
• Patient Guidance: Monitor for any post-injection symptoms and report unusual changes promptly.

Vabysmo Side Effects

• Common: Mild irritation, temporary vision disturbances, or floaters.
• Potential Risks: Rare cases of intraocular inflammation or retinal complications.
• Long-Term Safety: Ongoing studies suggest comparable safety to Eylea.

To minimize risks, patients should avoid rubbing their eyes, follow post-care instructions, and attend regular follow-ups to monitor for complications. If severe pain, sudden vision loss, or persistent inflammation occurs, seek immediate medical attention. Proper eye hygiene and adherence to medical guidance ensure a smoother recovery.

Conclusion

Eylea and Vabysmo are effective anti-VEGF treatments that help stabilize vision and improve the quality of life for patients with retinal diseases. Eylea, with its well-established safety profile, has demonstrated consistent efficacy with a dosing schedule of every 4 to 8 weeks. Meanwhile, Vabysmo’s dual-targeting mechanism offers the potential for extended treatment intervals of up to 12–16 weeks, providing greater convenience for some patients.

The choice between these treatments depends on disease severity, lifestyle needs, and physician recommendations. Consulting a retinal specialist ensures the best treatment approach tailored to each patient’s condition, maximizing both efficacy and long-term eye health.

FAQs

1. Which treatment is more effective, Eylea or Vabysmo?

Both are effective, but Vabysmo’s dual-action mechanism may provide longer-lasting results for some patients. Clinical studies show comparable vision improvements between the two treatments.

2. Can I switch from Eylea to Vabysmo?

Some patients transition from Eylea to Vabysmo, especially if they prefer fewer injections. However, a doctor must evaluate disease progression and treatment response before switching.

3. Is Vabysmo safer than Eylea?

Both treatments have similar safety profiles, with mild to moderate side effects. Long-term studies on Vabysmo are ongoing, but current data suggests risks comparable to Eylea’s.

4. How do I know which treatment is best for me?

A retinal specialist will assess your condition, lifestyle, and response to past treatments to determine whether Eylea or Vabysmo is the better option.

References

Heier JS, Ho AC, Boyer DS, et al. Intravitreal Nesvacumab (Anti-Angiopoietin-2) plus Aflibercept in neovascular AMD: Phase 2 ONYX randomized trial. Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases. 2022;7(1):8-15. doi:10.1177/24741264221126061

Chakravarthy U, Armendariz BG, Fauser S. 15 years of anti-VEGF treatment for nAMD: success or failure or something in between? Eye. 2022;36(12):2232-2233. doi:10.1038/s41433-022-02153-9

Schicht M, Hesse K, Schröder H, et al. Efficacy of aflibercept (EYLEA ® ) on inhibition of human VEGF in vitro. Annals of Anatomy – Anatomischer Anzeiger. 2017;211:135-139. doi:10.1016/j.aanat.2017.02.005