The HAWK Extension Study outcomes with Brolucizumab in nAMD similar to those seen in Pivotal Phase 3 Studies

Efficacy and safety with the intended commercial formulation of brolucizumab 6 mg in neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients was consistent with that observed in the Phase III studies. 

Best-corrected visual acuity gain and central subfield thickness reduction observed at the end of the core study were maintained to Week 24 of the extension study. There was no indication of difference in the safety profile of the brolucizumab 6 mg drug product intended for commercialization and the brolucizumab 3 mg or 6 mg drug product used in the Phase III clinical trials.

Treating Age-Related Macular Degeneration before Decline in Visual Impairment

A retrospective analysis from data in a study from Japan indicates that initiating anti-vascular endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) treatment before best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) declines and advanced lesions develop would afford better visual outcomes for eyes of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). They also found that eyes with a relatively good initial BCVA, such as < 0.3 in logMAR (Snellen 20/40), and without fibrovascular PED would achieve sustained or improved BCVA after anti-VEGF treatment within 3 years of follow-up. 

Cholesterol and diabetes drugs may lessen risk of degenerative eye disease of aging

Regular use of drugs to lower cholesterol and control type 2 diabetes may lessen the risk of age related macular degeneration, a degenerative eye disease that is associated with aging. This is a finding from a pooled data analysis of the available evidence, which has been published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

The results show that these common drugs are linked to lower prevalence of AMD in European populations.