A commonly used anti-VEGF may not be as effective in treating diabetic macular edema in black patients

(c) peimag.com

A new study indicates a medication frequently used to treat diabetic macular edema, the most common cause of blindness in people with diabetes, is less effective when used to treat the condition in Black patients. 

Neovascular AMD: Bevacizumab Injection Increases Angiogenic Biomarkers

Dr. Thiago Cabral

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is induced by the development of new abnormal ‘leaky’ blood vessels in the choroid and retina, when the balance of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors is upset. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is considered a critical modulator of angiogenesis and is related to induction of endothelial cell migration and proliferation after hypoxia. The development of anti-VEGF agents, such as bevacizumab (Avastin®), ranibizumab (Lucentis®) and aflibercept (Eylea®), revolutionized the treatment of nAMD.

A novel drug for treatment of diabetic retinopathy

(c) Centenary Institute, Sydney, Australia

Scientists at the Centenary Institute have developed a novel drug which could potentially be used to effectively treat patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy often occurs in diabetic patients, even when their blood sugar levels are controlled. In diabetic retinopathy, the tiny blood vessels in the retina are damaged and can leak fluid or haemorrhage, often leading to vision loss.

Researchers identify a key protein in Diabetic Retinopathy

Researchers at University of Utah Health have identified a protein, ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6), which is crucial for the development of diabetic retinopathy. Published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, they identified a compound, NAV-2729, which inhibits or blocks ARF6, reducing the chances of development of diabetic retinopathy.

Intravitreal bevacizumab appears to be safe in treatment of retinopathy of prematurity

The use of intravitreal bevacizumab appears to be safe in preterm infants for treatment of retinopathy of prematurity, according to a long-term multicenter study.

Is Avastin better than Lucentis for AMD?

A group of researchers from China have evaluated randomized controlled clinical trials from around the world to study the efficacy and safety of Avastin^tm (bevacizumab) versus Lucentis^tm (ranibizumab) in wet (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

New drugs in the pipeline target novel pathways for treatment of diabetic retinopathy

from NEI

There is exciting on-going research in the field of treatments for patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). There is a long list of drugs in the pipeline for treating this disease that affects a significant number of people around the world. Pipeline drugs target novel pathways to treat diabetic eye disease.

Poor Avastin responders in AMD & DME may have increased risk to obstructive sleep apnea

from Wikipedia

Poor responders to Bevacizumab (Avastin) in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) may have increased risk to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).