Québec announces faricimab (Vabysmo, Roche) will be funded for macular oedema secondary to RVO

Throughout Canada, Vabysmo is now authorised for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema and macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion. Image credit: ©Andriy Blokhin – stock.adobe.com

Hoffmann-La Roche Limited (Roche Canada) has announced that Vabysmo (faricimab injection) is now publicly funded for macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) on the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) list of medications.

RAMQ is a public organisation introduced in 1970, following the adoption of the universal health care system in Canada. It is responsible for the management of the Québec health insurance plan and serves as the cornerstone of healthcare in Québec with the goal to eliminate cost as a barrier to accessing healthcare services²

Roche Canada announced this latest update includes funding for Vabysmo in a 6.0 mg single-use pre-filled syringe (PFS). Vabysmo received Health Canada authorisation for treatment of macular oedema secondary to RVO in July 2024 and the approval of the PFS format in December 2024.

Vabysmo is a humanised bispecific immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) antibody that acts through inhibition of both Ang-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). In Canada, Vabysmo is authorised for the treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), diabetic macular oedema (DMO) and macular oedema secondary to RVO. Vabysmo is also approved in more than 100 countries for DME and nAMD and in over 30 countries for macular oedema following RVO.

Carlene Todd, vice president of access at Roche Pharmaceuticals Canada, commented on the coverage in a press release from the company, saying, “This expansion in coverage for people with RVO in Québec is welcome news in our mission to advance eye care and provide innovative solutions for people living with serious retinal conditions. We are deeply committed to ensuring equitable and timely access to our treatments, ensuring that provinces across the country prioritise access to innovative medicines that will ultimately improve the lives of people impacted by vision loss."

Following the latest update, Vabysmo is now covered in for all three of its indications and in both formats, including nAMD, DMO, and now macular oedema secondary to RVO.

Recently, Spherix Global Insights released data from the syndicated RealTime Dynamix studies that examined the competitive and complex treatment landscape for nAMD and DME. Findings showed that Roche/Genentech’s Vabysmo continues to lead in the retina market, earning strong marks for efficacy, physician satisfaction and flexible dosing.³

Additionally, Korean investigators reported that Vabysmo in a real-world setting works well for patients with nAMD refractory to other anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment.⁴

References:

1. VABYSMO (faricimab injection) now publicly funded for macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and pre-filled syringe (PFS) in Quebec. Published August 15, 2025. Accessed August 18, 2025. https://www.rochecanada.com/media/vabysmo-faricimab-injection-now-publicly-funded-for-macular-edema-secondary-to-retinal-vein-occlusion-rvo-and-pre-filled-syringe-pfs-in-quebec

2. Duarte I. What is RAMQ? A Guide for Newcomers to Quebec. Published April 22, 2024. Accessed August 18, 2025. https://www.canadim.com/blog/what-is-ramq/

3. Crago SM. Survey data shows trends for AMD and DME treatments and future prospects. Published July 15, 2025. Accessed August 18, 2025. https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/survey-data-shows-trends-for-amd-and-dme-treatments-and-future-prospects

4. Charters L. Study finds faricimab effective for nAMD patients unresponsive to other anti-VEGF treatments. Published February 6, 2025. Accessed August 18, 2025. https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/study-finds-faricimab-effective-for-namd-patients-unresponsive-to-other-anti-vegf-treatments