In recent years, pharmacotherapy for diabetic retinopathy (DR) has gradually shifted from traditional single‑target anti‑VEGF intervention to multi‑pathway coordinated regulation.
Evidence‑based medical data for the bispecific antibody faricimab (Ang‑2/VEGF‑A dual inhibitor) in DR treatment continues to accumulate.Post hoc analyses of the YOSEMITE/RHINE trials revealed that faricimab significantly enhances vascular stability compared with aflibercept, and the injection interval can be extended up to 16 weeks, markedly reducing the treatment burden for patients.
Twelve‑month data from the UK FARWIDE‑DMO real‑world study validated its efficacy, durability, and safety in diabetic macular edema (DME) patients, both treatment‑naïve and previously treated.These findings establish the clinical value of Ang‑2/VEGF‑A dual inhibition in optimizing anatomical outcomes, prolonging dosing intervals, and lowering treatment burden.
RC28‑E, the world’s first innovative VEGF/FGF dual‑target fusion protein independently developed in China, was evaluated in a multicenter, randomized, open‑label Phase II clinical trial against single‑target anti‑VEGF agents for DME.Results showed that RC28‑E significantly improved best‑corrected visual acuity, reduced central macular retinal thickness, and effectively relieved macular edema.
A greater number of novel drugs for DR have emerged.For example, EXN407 (a topical serine/arginine‑rich protein kinase 1 [SRPK1] inhibitor) demonstrated reduced retinal vascular leakage in Phase 1b/2a trials, with favorable tolerability, no serious adverse events, and high adherence.A Phase 2b trial is planned for the treatment of non‑proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).
Integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine represents an important approach for DR management.Multi‑target traditional Chinese medicines cover the complex pathology of DR, and early individualized intervention blocks disease progression.
As one representative agent, Compound Danshen Dripping Pills has gained increasing recommendation in clinical guidelines.It received strong recommendations for DR treatment in multiple guidelines and expert consensus documents in 2025, with confirmed benefits including improved visual function, reduced hemorrhage and leakage, decreased macular thickness, and enhanced treatment response rate.