Evaluation of the effects of subconjunctival faricimab and aflibercept in experimental corneal neovascularization

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aflibercept and faricimab, a novel anti-VEGF agent, in the treatment of corneal neovascularization (CoNV) induced by alkali burn in rats. Methods: The right eyes of 24 rats were cauterized under appropriate anesthesia and randomly divided into three groups of eight rats each. The control group received 0.025 ml saline, one group received 0.025 ml aflibercept, and the other group received 0.025 ml faricimab via subconjunctival injection. Corneas were photographed with a stereomicroscope before cauterization, and on days 10 and 21 after cauterization. The images were analyzed using the ImageJ software. Results: Aflibercept provided a 13.54% reduction and faricimab a 22.62% reduction in CoNV area. Both treatments were found to significantly reduce CoNV compared to the control group (p:0.0063, p:0.0013). Furthermore, the effect of faricimab was statistically superior to that of aflibercept (F:20.16, p<0.001). Conclusion: Faricimab, as a new anti-VEGF agent, was found to be effective in the treatment of CoNV. Further animal and human studies, as well as additional immunohistochemical investigations, are needed to better elucidate its therapeutic potential. Keywords: Corneal neovascularization, faricimab, aflibercept