The Evolving Treatment Paradigm for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Updates for Specialty Pharmacists

The Evolving Treatment Paradigm for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Updates for Specialty Pharmacists

On-Demand 1.5-hour CE-Accredited Webcast

Moderator

Susan Trieu, PharmD
Vice President, Trade Relations
SPARx
Southlake, Texas

Faculty Panel

Daniel F. Kiernan, MD, FACS
Vitreoretinal Surgeon
The Eye Associates
Bradenton, Florida

Community Faculty
Department of Ophthalmology
Sarasota Memorial Hospital
Sarasota, Florida

Volunteer Faculty
Department of Surgery/Ophthalmology
Manatee Memorial Hospital
Bradenton, Florida

Cari W. Pao, PharmD, MBA, MSHCM
Senior Director, Health Outcomes
Walgreens
Deerfield, Illinois

Lisa M. DiGioia-Ross, BS Pharm, PharmD
Chief Financial Officer
Clinical Pharmaceutical Consultant
Robert D. Ross, MD (APMC)
DBA: Ross Davis Retina
Metairie, Louisiana

Clinical Preceptor, APPE
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Clinical Pharmacy Practice
School of Pharmacy
University of Louisiana – Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana

Medical Writing Support

Jeannette Y. Wick, RPh, MBA, FASCP
Freelance Medical Writer
Arlington, Virginia
Assistant Director, Office of Pharmacy Professional Development
University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy
Storrs, Connecticut
 
Program Description
Neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in Americans older than 65 years of age. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents have expanded treatment options to preserve patients’ vision. However, real-world evidence largely indicates that patients with nAMD receive fewer injections and less frequent monitoring than recommended in clinical guidelines. There are significant health-related complications associated with nonadherence to anti-VEGF agents, and pharmacists have significant roles in providing education to patients about the importance of eye health and routine follow-up and monitoring. Intravitreal injections with anti-VEGF agents are the standard of care for nAMD, but they are associated with challenges such as injection burden that may hinder optimal outcomes, which necessitates further research into agents that may extend dosing intervals. Understanding efficacy and safety of available and investigational agents is key for specialty pharmacists as they manage the treatment and adherence to therapy of patients with nAMD. This interdisciplinary panel of experts will review strategies to manage clinical issues, such as dosing and adverse effects associated with anti-VEGF agents, as well as discuss ways to monitor patients with nAMD to ensure proper utilization and adherence to therapy.

Target Audience: Specialty pharmacists
Type of Activity: Application
Release Date: June 30, 2021
Expiration Date: June 30, 2022
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Explore the pathophysiology, prevalence, risk factors, and clinical burden associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD)
• Compare the safety and efficacy data as well as dosing considerations and unique characteristics of current and emerging anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents for nAMD
• Identify the need for novel therapies to improve patient outcomes, quality of life, and patient adherence
• Determine the role of the specialty pharmacist in making clinical recommendations and in counseling patients about safe and efficacious therapies for nAMD

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 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-21-273-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through June 30, 2022.


Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit
To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the webcast 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.
 

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Disclosures

Daniel F. Kiernan, MD, FACS, has the following relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

• Grant/Research Support: Adverum, Alimera Sciences, Allergan, EyePoint, Graybug Pharmaceuticals
• Consultant: Allergan, Beaver-Visitec International, EyePoint, Genentech, Mallinckrodt, Novartis, Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals, Regeneron
• Speakers Bureau: Alimera Sciences, Allergan, EyePoint, Genentech, Mallinckrodt, Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals, Regeneron, Spark Therapeutics
• Stock/Shareholder: Adverum, Regeneron

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Faculty
Susan Trieu, PharmD
Cari W. Pao, PharmD, MBA, MSHCM
Lisa M. Digioia-Ross, BS Pharm, PharmD

Medical Writing Support
Jeannette Y. Wick, RPh, MBA, FASCP

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff – Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Dipti Desai, PharmD, CHCP; Michelle C. Carlson, PharmD, RPh; Liz Rauh; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta have no relevant 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.

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