Program Description
Diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) can lead to vision loss and subsequently poor quality of life for patients. Both diseases are caused by growth factors angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A acting synergistically to destabilize mature vasculature, causing inflammation and leakage. While current intravitreal anti-VEGF medications have improved quality of life, patient adherence is low due to high treatment burdens such as frequency and cost. Managed care professionals have an important role in facilitating access to treatment options that reduce the injection burden of patients with nAMD and DME. New therapeutic targets or longer-lasting and sustained delivery formulations targeting both Ang-2 and VEGF-A pathways, which has proven more effective than targeting the VEGF growth factor alone, are currently under investigation and could reduce treatment frequency. Managed care professionals must prepare to review these treatment options, incorporate them into formularies, and develop cost-efficient administration plans to improve adherence, optimize patient outcomes, and limit adverse effects.
Type of activity: Application
Release date: November 19, 2021
Expiration date: November 19, 2022
Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Explain the roles of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A in the development of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME)
- Examine recent advances in dual targeted therapy for nAMD and DME
- Identify barriers to patient adherence and opportunities for managed care professionals to improve patient access
Arghavan Almony, MD
Vice President
Carolina Eye Associates, PA
Southern Pines, North Carolina
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Surgery
Campbell University School of Medicine
Buies Creek, North Carolina
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hours (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-21-412-H04-P. The activity is available for CE credit through November 19, 2022.
Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit
To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, read the article in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.
Disclosures
Faculty Presenter
Arghavan Almony, MD, has the following relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
- Consultant: Allergan, Cardinal Health
- Prime Education
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Michelle Carlson, PharmD; Kylie Ferrentino; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta have no financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
Anonymous peer reviewers are used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewers have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.
For questions about this live CPE activity, please contact:
[email protected]
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