Faricimab, sold under the brand name Vabysmo, is a monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Faricimab is the first bispecific monoclonal antibody, to target both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2) inhibitor. By targeting these pathways, faricimab stabilizes blood vessels in the retina. It is given by intravitreal injection (injection into the eye) by an ophthalmologist.Faricimab was developed by Roche. Faricimab was approved for medical use in the United States in January 2022, and in the European Union in September 2022. Medical uses
Faricimab is indicated for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Adverse effects
The most common adverse reaction reported in people receiving faricimab include conjunctival bleeding. Contraindications
Contraindications to injection of faricimab include active infection in or around the eye, active inflammation in the eye (uveitis), and prior allergic reactions to receiving the drug (hypersensitivity). Special populations
Pregnancy
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of faricimab administration in pregnant women. Breast feeding
There is no information regarding faricimab accumulation in breast milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. However, the drug company states that many drugs are transferred in human milk with the potential for absorption and adverse reactions in the breastfed child. Fertility
No studies on the effects of faricimab on human fertility have been conducted and it is not known whether faricimab can affect reproduction.
An abscess is a collection of pus that has built up within the tissue of the body. Signs and symptoms of abscesses include redness, pain, warmth, and swelling. The swelling may feel fluid-filled when pressed. The area of redness often extends beyond the swelling. Carbuncles and boils are types of abscess that often involve hair follicles, with carbuncles being larger.They are usually caused by a bacterial infection. Often many different types of bacteria are involved in a single infection. In many areas of the world, the most common bacteria present is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Rarely, parasites can cause abscesses; this is more common in the developing world. Diagnosis of a skin abscess is usually made based on what it looks like and is confirmed by cutting it open. Ultrasound imaging may be useful in cases in which the diagnosis is not clear. In abscesses around the anus, computer tomography (CT) may be important to look for deeper infection.Standard treatment for most skin or soft tissue abscesses is cutting it open and drainage. There appears to be some benefit from also using antibiotics. A small amount of evidence supports not packing the cavity that remains with gauze after drainage. Closing this cavity right after draining it rather than leaving it open may speed healing without increasing the risk of the abscess returning. Sucking out the pus with a needle is often not sufficient.Skin abscesses are common and have become more common in recent years.