This review summarizes the latest findings in the literature of
Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2),
Tyrosine-protein kinase receptor (Tie-2) complex, and
faricimab along with their involvement for the treatment of
retinal vascular diseases in various clinical trials. In ischemic diseases, such as
diabetic retinopathy, Ang-2 is upregulated, deactivating Tie-2, resulting in vascular leakage, pericyte loss, and
inflammation. Recombinant Angiopeotin-1 (Ang-1), Ang-2-blocking molecules, and inhibitors of
vascular endothelial protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP) decrease
inflammation-associated vascular leakage, showing
therapeutic effects in diabetes,
atherosclerosis, and ocular neovascular diseases. In addition, novel studies show that
angiopoietin-like proteins may play an important role in cellular metabolism leading to
retinal vascular diseases. Current therapeutic focus combines Ang-Tie targeted drugs with other anti-angiogenic or immune
therapies. Clinical studies have identified
faricimab, a novel bispecific antibody designed for intravitreal use, to simultaneously bind and neutralize Ang-2 and
VEGF-A for treatment of diabetic
eye disease. By targeting both Ang-2 and
vascular endothelial growth factor-A (
VEGF-A),
faricimab displays an improved and sustained efficacy over longer treatment intervals, delivering superior vision outcomes for patients with diabetic
macular edema and reducing the treatment burden for patients with neovascular
age-related macular degeneration and diabetic
macular edema. Phase 2 results have produced promising outcomes with regard to efficacy and durability.
Faricimab is currently being evaluated in global Phase 3 studies.