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Retinal Physician

Article | 2025 Euretina Congress

Head-to-Head Trial Compares Iluvien and Anti-VEGF

Patients with diabetic macular edema who received the Iluvien implant needed less than half as many injections as those treated with aflibercept alone.

Retinal Physician September 4, 2025

Clinical Report: Head-to-Head Trial Compares Iluvien and Anti-VEGF

Overview

The NEW DAY trial demonstrated that the Iluvien implant significantly reduced the number of injections needed for patients with diabetic macular edema compared to aflibercept, while achieving similar visual outcomes. Patients receiving Iluvien required an average of 3.4 injections over 18 months, compared to 7.5 for those on aflibercept alone.

Background

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of vision loss in patients with diabetes, making effective treatment crucial. Anti-VEGF therapies have been the standard of care, but they often require frequent injections, which can be burdensome for patients. The introduction of long-acting corticosteroid implants like Iluvien may offer a viable alternative by reducing treatment frequency while maintaining visual acuity.

Data Highlights

GroupAverage Injections (18 months)No. of Patients Requiring No Supplemental InjectionsMean Time to First Supplemental Injection (days)
Iluvien3.41/3185.4
Aflibercept7.5N/A132.8

Key Findings

  • The Iluvien implant reduced the average number of injections needed by more than half compared to aflibercept.
  • Patients in the Iluvien group had a mean of 3.4 injections over 18 months.
  • One-third of patients receiving Iluvien required no supplemental injections.
  • The mean time from the last injection to the first supplemental injection was significantly longer in the Iluvien group (185.4 days) compared to the aflibercept group (132.8 days).
  • The trial supports the earlier use of long-acting corticosteroid implants in the DME treatment pathway.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that Iluvien may be a preferable option for patients with DME who require fewer injections, potentially improving adherence to treatment. Clinicians should consider incorporating long-acting corticosteroid implants earlier in the treatment pathway for suitable patients.

Conclusion

The NEW DAY trial highlights the potential of Iluvien to reduce treatment burden in DME while maintaining visual outcomes, suggesting a shift in clinical practice towards more durable treatment options.

References

  1. Alimera Sciences, Ophthalmology Management, 2025 -- Alimera Sciences Releases Data From Head to Head Trial Comparing Iluvien and Anti VEGF
  2. Retinal Physician, SUBSPECIALTY NEWS, 2022 -- FDA approves Cimerli, GATHER2 GA trial meets primary endpoint, and more.
  3. Ophthalmology Management, Four key advances in the battle against retinal disease, 2014 -- Gene therapy, combination drugs, and sustained-release platforms move closer to the clinic.
  4. Diabetic Retinopathy Preferred Practice Pattern® - PubMed, 2023 -- Current guidance on DME treatment.
  5. Intravitreal Steroid Injections and Implants - EyeWiki, 2023 -- Overview of corticosteroid use in DME.
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  7. Retinal Physician — SUBSPECIALTY NEWS
  8. Diabetic Retinopathy Preferred Practice Pattern® - PubMed
  9. Intravitreal Steroid Injections and Implants - EyeWiki
  10. Alimera Sciences Releases Data From Head to Head Trial Comparing Iluvien and Anti VEGF | Ophthalmology Management