In the phase 2/3 PHOTON trial, aflibercept 8 mg (Eylea HD; Regeneron) proved effective in improving visual and anatomic outcomes for patients with diabetic macular edema (DME), regardless of baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The study compared outcomes between Eylea HD administered every 12 or 16 weeks and aflibercept 2 mg (Eylea) given every 8 weeks. Diana V. Do, MD, an investigator on the trial, presented the data at the American Society of Retina Specialists meeting in Stockholm, Sweden.

Results showed significant gains in visual acuity and reductions in central retinal thickness (CRT) across both BCVA groups. For patients with a baseline BCVA of 20/50 or worse, mean visual improvement at Week 48 was +10.7 EDTRS letters with 2 mg and +10.5 letters with 8 mg. In those with a baseline BCVA of 20/40 or better, improvements were slightly lower. CRT reductions were also more pronounced in patients with poorer baseline vision.

These findings suggest Eylea HD is effective for diverse patient profiles with DME, demonstrating superior visual gains in those with poorer initial vision.