OBJECTIVES: Retinal diseases is one of the leading causes of blindness and impairment in Russia (25% of all cases of visual impairment). The most common retinal diseases that cause impairment are age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) with diabetic retinopathy. According to the Russian clinical guidelines, the first-line therapy for AMD and DME surgical treatment is intravenous injection. This study aims to estimate the availability of anti-VEGF treatment for patients with AMD and DME and demand for intravitreal injections (IVI) in the Russian Federation

METHODS: The provision level of angiogenesis inhibitors in Russia was estimated based on hospital accounts data for 2019. Comparative analysis of the level of availability of patients with intravenous injections in Russia and other countries (based on the IQVIA report of anti-VEGF vial purchases) was carried out. Demand for IVI was modelled on the basis of statistical records of the incidence and dissemination of AMD and DME in 2019 and the number of people in a population.

RESULTS: Average number of injections per patient with AMD amounted to 2.14 and 2.57 cases with DME in Russia, compared to the average optimal indicator for AMD and DME equal to 7-12 injections for the first year of therapy. Average number of intravenous injections for patients with AMD is 36.09% of total number of hospitalizations with this disease and for patients with DME 34.26% respectively. In comparison with OECD countries, in Russia availability of anti-VEGF medicine for patients is 4.2 bottle per 10.000 people, which is 11.7 times lower than in the selected OECD countries.

CONCLUSION: Average number of injections per patient with AMD amounted to 2.14 and 2.57 cases with DME in Russia, compared to the average optimal indicator for AMD and DME equal to 7-12 injections for the first year of therapy.