Roche Canada Announces Public Funding of Vabysmo for Macular Edema Secondary to RVO on RAMQ

Hoffmann-La Roche Limited (Roche Canada) has confirmed that Vabysmo® (faricimab injection) is now publicly funded in Quebec for the treatment of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). This update adds Vabysmo to the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) list of reimbursed medications, representing a significant step forward in access to advanced therapies for retinal diseases in the province.

The public funding includes the 6.0 mg single-use pre-filled syringe (PFS) format of Vabysmo, providing a convenient and ready-to-use option for clinicians and patients.

Regulatory Approvals in Canada

Vabysmo received Health Canada approval for the treatment of macular edema secondary to RVO in July 2024, followed by the approval of the pre-filled syringe (PFS) format in December 2024. With the latest update from RAMQ, Vabysmo is now publicly funded in Quebec for all three of its approved indications, which include neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Dual Mechanism of Action

Vabysmo is a humanized bispecific immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) antibody designed to inhibit both Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), two key disease mediators in retinal vascular disorders. This dual inhibition targets both vascular stability and leakage, offering a differentiated approach to the treatment of retinal conditions.

In Canada, Vabysmo is approved for nAMD, DME, and macular edema secondary to RVO. Globally, it is authorized in over 100 countries for DME and nAMD, and in more than 30 countries for RVO-related macular edema.

Expanded Access and Ongoing Support for Retinal Care

Carlene Todd, Vice President of Access at Roche Pharmaceuticals Canada, emphasized the significance of the expanded coverage in a recent press release:

“This expansion in coverage for people with RVO in Quebec 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 prioritize access to innovative medicines that will ultimately improve the lives of people impacted by vision loss.”

With this development, Vabysmo is now covered in Quebec for all three of its indications, and in both vial and pre-filled syringe formats, making it more accessible to patients across the province who are living with vision-threatening retinal diseases.