Clinical impact of the worldwide shortage of verteporfin (Visudyne®) on ophthalmic care.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Since July 2021, a worldwide shortage of verteporfin (Visudyne®) occurred: an essential medicine required for photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT with verteporfin has a broad range of indications in ophthalmology, including chronic central serous chorioretinopathy, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and choroidal haemangioma. For these disorders, PDT is either the first-choice treatment or regarded as a major treatment option.

Materials and methods

A questionnaire was sent to key opinion leaders in the field of medical retina throughout the world, to assess the role of PDT in their country and the effects of the shortage of verteporfin. In addition, information on the application of alternative treatments during shortage of verteporfin was obtained, to further assess

SUBMITTER: Sirks MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9790583 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature