Impact of Funding Assistance on Choice for On-Label Intraocular Pharmaceuticals

Purpose: Understanding the economic impact on intraocular pharmaceutical choices is critical for retinal specialty care. This study assesses the impact of consistent Chronic Disease Foundation (CDF) funding on the maintenance of on-label pharmaceuticals.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single, private retinal practice. Retina Associates of Cleveland’s Practice Management System was used to track CDF patients’ intraocular pharmaceuticals during the stable-funded period, September 16-29, 2022, and during transition to a non-funded period, November 16-29, 2022. Pharmaceuticals were tracked, and the change rates were analyzed. Outcomes tracked included maintaining on-label medication, switching to a different on-label medication, switching to free sample injection, or switching to off-label bevacizumab. Patients starting on free sample injections were excluded.

Results: During the non-funded period, 79% of patients switched to either free sample injections or off-label bevacizumab. In contrast, only 1% of patients switched medications during the stable-funded period.

Conclusion: Consistent funding significantly reduces the likelihood of switching from on-label to off-label medications or free samples, highlighting the magnitude financial assistance has in maintaining on-label treatment plans.

Keywords: Retinal Vascular Diseases, Chronic Disease Foundation (CDF), Anti-VEGF Therapy, Intraocular Pharmaceuticals, Financial Assistance Programs, Treatment Adherence.