Survey data shows trends for AMD and DME treatments and future prospects

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Spherix Global Insights released data that examine the competitive and complex treatment landscape for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). The Q2 wave of the syndicated RealTime Dynamix studies shows current prescribing dynamics, perceptions of leading therapies, and evolving expectations shaped by emerging treatments and payer influence.

Findings highlights a few key takeaways in physician preference and awareness.

• Roche/Genentech’s Vabysmo continues to lead in the retina market, earning strong marks for efficacy, physician satisfaction, and flexible dosing.
• Regeneron’s Eylea HD is steadily gaining ground as retina specialists focus on newer, longer-acting options.
• Eylea 2mg remains the preferred second line product, after Avastin, due to its long-term data, efficacy, and safety profile.
• Despite high awareness, biosimilars remain on the periphery—particularly in the first-line setting. However, many ophthalmologists acknowledge that the payer environment could force a shift, especially if step therapy mandates begin to require biosimilar trials before branded biologic access.

The study also reviewed the impact of payer influence on treatment decisions.

• Roughly three-quarters of respondents reporting that coverage restrictions, prior authorization requirements, and cost-sharing concerns regularly impact prescribing choices.
• Physicians estimate that 1 in 3 patients with nAMD or DME are likely receiving less-than-optimal care due to access-related hurdles.
• Most practices now rely on dedicated biologic coordinators to manage the administrative load, but even with support staff in place, prior authorizations remain a major friction point.
• The increasing use of AI-driven auto-denial systems is only exacerbating these delays, introducing new workflow inefficiencies, and stalling the initiation of preferred therapies.

Gene therapy candidates are an area of optimism for ophthalmologists.

• Ophthalmologists report being optimistic about the long-term potential of assets in development such as 4DMT’s 4D-150, AbbVie’s ABBV-RGX-314, and Adverum’s Ixo-vec.
• This positivity comes in part from the anticipation in the ability to reduce treatment burden and deliver transformative durability, potentially redefining the landscape beyond traditional biologics.

About those surveyed

The latest Q2 update of the RealTime Dynamix series include responses from 112 US ophthalmologists (101 for nAMD; 100 for DME) with high-volume patient caseloads. Data were collected between May 5 and June 11, 2025.

Reference:

1. Biologic Competition, Payer Pressures, and Gene Therapy Momentum Define a Pivotal Moment in nAMD and DME Management, According to Spherix Global Insights. Spherix Global insights. July 10, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2025. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/07/10/3113602/0/en/Biologic-Competition-Payer-Pressures-and-Gene-Therapy-Momentum-Define-a-Pivotal-Moment-in-nAMD-and-DME-Management-According-to-Spherix-Global-Insights.html