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FDA Approves Susvimo for Diabetic Macular Edema, Reducing Injections

Written by: Daniel Trecroci

2 minute read

February 5, 2025

You know how trying to juggle multiple things at once can leave you dropping the ball? Well, managing diabetes can sometimes feel like that, especially when it comes to eye health. 

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is one of those tricky balls that, if not handled carefully, can lead to vision loss. DME occurs when chronically high blood sugar damages eye blood vessels, causing fluid buildup in the macula, leading to blurry vision and potential vision loss.

But don’t worry, there’s good news! 

The FDA has approved Susvimo (ranibizumab injection) 100 mg/mL, the first continuous delivery treatment for DME.

Why Susvimo is a game-changer for DME treatment

Before Susvimo, DME was treated with monthly eye injections to reduce retina swelling and preserve vision. 

While effective, the treatment was demanding.

Susvimo now offers a more convenient option with just two treatments a year through a small, refillable implant, reducing doctor visits.

How Susvimo helps preserve vision with fewer treatments

Susvimo offers people with DME fewer treatments, helping them maintain their vision and focus on daily life.

Genentech’s chief medical officer, Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., calls Susvimo a unique, convenient alternative to routine eye injections for those with diabetic eye conditions.

“As the global prevalence of this condition continues to grow, today’s FDA approval for Susvimo reflects our dedication to innovation and enhancing the patient experience,” says Garraway.

The science behind Susvimo: Phase III Pagoda Study results

The approval of Susvimo was based on the results of the Phase III Pagoda study. 

This study showed that Susvimo provided sustained vision improvements with a refill every six months, compared to monthly injections of the standard treatment.

Access and support for susvimo treatment

To help make this treatment accessible, Genentech is also supporting programs through their Genentech Access Solutions, which can help people with insurance or payment concerns.

Hope for the future of eye care for people with diabetes

This approval marks an important moment in eye care for people living with diabetes, and it offers hope that fewer people will have to worry about losing their sight to this condition.

Beyond Diabetes author

Author

Daniel Trecroci

Dan has written about diabetes for more than 20 years. He was one of Diabetes Health's first hires. Throughout his 10+ years as Managing Editor, he wrote/published thousands of articles and helped establish Diabetes Health as the premiere resource for people with diabetes. He later became the Content Manager for OneTouchGold—Johnson & Johnson/LifeScan’s official digital publication for its metering technology customers. Under his leadership, OneTouchGold received the Web Marketing Association’s award for “Best Health & Wellness" web site. Dan has also written for the Diabetes Research Institute, dLife, diaTribe, Healthline, CareDx, Pendulum Therapeutics, and Hero Bread.