"Researchers have discovered a technique for directly reprogramming skin cells into light-sensing rod photoreceptors used for vision. The lab-made rods enabled blind mice to detect light after the cells were transplanted into the animals' eyes. The work, funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI), published April 15 in Nature." (Click here to read rest of article) …
Is Treat-and-Extend Truly Effective for Diabetic Macular Edema?
"Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications have a proven track record in treating diabetic macular edema (DME). However, researchers continue to investigate whether these medications can be made more efficient and cost-effective." "Both the RETAIN[1] and REACT[2] studies showed that treat-and-extend regimens for ranibizumab were efficacious for DME. Further support was …
New Age-Related Macular Degeneration Common in Untreated Fellow Eyes
"NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - New age-related macular degeneration (AMD) develops in about a quarter of fellow eyes to those treated for neovascular AMD with intravitreal anti-VEGF agents, according to a post hoc analysis of the VIEW 1 and VIEW 2 studies." "The high risk for fellow eye conversion in patients with neovascular AMD in one eye highlights the need to explore prophylactic treatments …
Double-Barreled Biologic for Diabetic Retinopathy Emerging
CHICAGO — Investigators searching for new ways to manage diabetic macular edema are targeting pathways beyond vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Phase 2 results from the BOULEVARD trial (NCT02699450), which is comparing faricimab, the first biologic to target both the Ang-2 and VEGF pathways, with ranibizumab, will be presented at the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) 2019 …
FLUID Study Rethinks Treat-and-Extend Protocols in Neovascular AMD
"For patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), a major cause of visual impairment worldwide,[1] the advent of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) intravitreal injections has been an undeniable breakthrough. Anti-VEGF therapy allows for greater control of the exudative process, which can dramatically improve outcomes compared with observation alone." "Achieving …
Brolucizumab as Good as Aflibercept for Neovascular AMD
Brolucizumab is noninferior to aflibercept and requires less-frequent injections for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), according to results from two phase-3 trials. Earlier this month, Novartis announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration accepted the company's brolucizumab application for the treatment of nAMD. Reductions in central subfield thickness …
Drusen Characteristics Linked With AMD Risk in Fellow Eyes
"NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - In patients with unilateral neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), certain drusen features are associated with conversion to neovascular AMD in the fellow eye, according to a secondary analysis of data from a clinical trial. Dr. Joelle A. Hallak of the University of Illinois at Chicago and colleagues used machine learning and explanatory model-building …
Once-daily CsA-MiDROPS™ are superior to other CsA drops dosed twice-daily
Ophthalmic distribution studies indicate significantly increased drug concentration with CsA-MiDROPS (Cyclosporine A microemulsion) compared with Restasis. CsA-MiDROPS is well tolerated with little toxicity in a 2-week tolerability study. In the DED model, both 0.05% and 0.1% CsA-MiDROPS conferred a significant effect and were more effective than Restasis for treating experimental DED when dosed …
EyeCRO and MPI Research Partner to Develop New Preclinical Models of Ophthalmic Disease
Oklahoma City, OK; Ann Arbor, MI; and Mattawan, MI (PRWEB) May 01, 2017 eyecro and MPI Research, two global leaders in preclinical ophthalmology contract research, today announced a collaboration to develop and commercialize large mammalian preclinical models for various ophthalmic diseases, including Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy. The partnership leverages the unique …
Inhibition of Stat3 by a Small Molecule Inhibitor Slows Vision Loss in a Rat Model of Diabetic Retinopathy
"Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss. Previous studies have shown signaling pathways mediated by Stat3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) play a primary role in diabetic retinopathy progression. This study tested CLT-005, a small molecule inhibitor of Stat3, for its dose-dependent therapeutic effects on vision loss in a rat model of diabetic …