What is Susvimo?
Susvimo (ranibizumab injection) is a specialized ocular implant designed to provide sustained, continuous delivery of ranibizumab, a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor, directly to the retina. Unlike traditional anti-VEGF injections administered monthly, Susvimo is surgically placed into the eye in a one-time outpatient procedure and is refilled periodically. By delivering a continuous dose, Susvimo helps to suppress abnormal blood vessel growth and reduce leakage that causes vision loss in conditions like wet AMD, DME, and DR. It is indicated for patients who have previously responded to at least two anti-VEGF injections.
How Long Does Susvimo Last? Refill Schedules
The duration of Susvimo's effect depends on the specific condition being treated, providing sustained drug delivery and reducing the burden of frequent appointments. The refill schedules are approximately every 6 months (24 weeks) for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), and approximately every 9 months (36 weeks) for Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). If a scheduled refill is missed, patients should contact their retina specialist immediately.
The Port Delivery System: A Closer Look
The Susvimo implant is a refillable reservoir with a semipermeable membrane that provides controlled, continuous release of ranibizumab into the eye. The implant is surgically inserted once, and subsequent refills are performed in the clinic under aseptic conditions. This system maintains a steady drug concentration, providing consistent disease control between visits.
How Susvimo Compares to Traditional Injections
Susvimo offers a different approach compared to traditional intravitreal injections of ranibizumab (Lucentis):
| Feature | Susvimo (Ranibizumab Implant) | Ranibizumab (Lucentis Injection) |
|---|---|---|
| Method of Delivery | Surgically implanted, refillable reservoir. | Direct intravitreal injection. |
| Treatment Frequency | Refills every 6 or 9 months. | Typically requires monthly injections. |
| Drug Level Consistency | Continuous, steady drug release. | Fluctuating drug levels between injections. |
| Treatment Burden | Greatly reduced frequency of visits and injections. | High frequency of visits and injections. |
| Procedure | Requires one-time surgical insertion. | Quick, in-office injections. |
| Risks | Higher risk of endophthalmitis, implant-related issues. | Standard intravitreal injection risks. |
Long-Term Efficacy and Clinical Trial Data
Clinical trials, including the Archway and Portal studies, have shown Susvimo's sustained efficacy over several years. Five-year data indicated consistent disease control and stable retinal thickness in wet AMD patients receiving six-monthly refills. Approximately 95% of patients in the study did not require supplemental treatment before their scheduled refill.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Susvimo carries a boxed warning due to a higher rate of endophthalmitis, a serious eye infection, compared to monthly injections. Managing conjunctival health and promptly detecting issues are important for reducing this risk. Other potential side effects include:
- Conjunctival hemorrhage
- Conjunctival hyperemia
- Iritis
- Eye pain
- Vitreous floaters
- Implant dislocation
- Retinal detachment
- Changes in vision
Patients should report any signs of a severe eye reaction to their doctor immediately.
What to do if you miss a refill
If a refill is missed for AMD or DME, it should be administered as soon as possible, with the next scheduled 24 weeks later. For diabetic retinopathy, a missed dose should also be addressed promptly, with the next refill at the 36-week mark. Consistent follow-up is important for monitoring and effective treatment.
Conclusion
Susvimo offers a long-acting treatment for chronic retinal conditions, with a duration of 6 to 9 months depending on the diagnosis. This continuous delivery system reduces the need for frequent injections associated with traditional therapies. By maintaining consistent drug levels, Susvimo provides convenience and sustained vision benefits for eligible patients. Potential risks should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
