Genentech has announced positive results from the Phase II STAIRWAY study which explored the extended durability of faricimab (RG7716) in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

According to Sandra Horning, M.D., chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development, “The STAIRWAY data show the potential of faricimab to allow fewer injections while achieving and sustaining the same visual gains seen with a current standard of care.”

Based on these results, a global Phase III program for faricimab in wet AMD is anticipated to commence in 2019. Two pivotal Phase III studies for faricimab for people with diabetic macular edema (DME) are currently open and enrolling: RHINE and YOSEMITE. These two studies are designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of faricimab compared with Eylea (aflibercept) .