New therapeutic approach to treating Age-related Macular Degeneration

Scientists have found that inhibition of Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1), which has been linked to retinal neovascularization and the development of abnormal blood vessels resulting in vision loss, presents a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Their results are reported in The American Journal of Pathology.

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.

A Biomarker could predict response of intravitreal injections in Diabetic Macular Edema

(c) OMICS

Researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital have found an association with a biomarker from aqueous fluid in the eye that predicts which patients will respond best to current treatments for diabetic macular edema. Their findings suggest this biomarker may be not only a marker of disease severity and anatomic response but also a potential therapeutic target in DME, recognizing that in patients with DME, there is not always a direct correlation between anatomic and visual acuity response.

RG7716 improves visual acuity in subjects with Diabetic Macular Edema in a Phase 2 study

(c)Pharmacodia.com

Genentech announced results from the Phase II BOULEVARD study, which is evaluating subjects with vision loss from diabetic macular edema (DME), where treatment with intravitreal RG7716 was observed to be clinically meaningful and statistically significant in improvement of visual acuity gains compared with ranibizumab alone.

Results in Ocuvia Diabetic Macular Edema Study show promise

ReVIEW study outcomes so far indicated that Ocuvia, a investigational topical ophthalmic formulation to treat the underlying defects in mitochondria in retinal diseases, shows promise in patients with diabetic macular edema.

New research reveals significant burden for patients being treated for sight threatening retinal disease

New data presented at the 6th World Congress on Controversies in Ophthalmology shows that the intravitreal injection regimens associated with treating retinal disease can have a detrimental effect on a patient’s quality of life.

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).

Eyedrops in development for treating conditions such as AMD and Diabetic macular edema

Eye drops are being developed for treating retina that will likely eliminate the need to inject compounds to the back of the eye in conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema.

From Scifluor

EYLEA® (aflibercept) Injection Receives FDA Approval for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. have announced that US FDA has approved EYLEA® (aflibercept) Injection for the treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). 

The recommended dosage of EYLEA in patients with DME is 2 milligrams (mg) every two months (8 weeks) after five initial monthly injections. Although EYLEA may be dosed as frequently as 2 mg every 4 weeks, additional efficacy was not demonstrated when EYLEA was dosed every 4 weeks compared to every 8 weeks.

EYLEA is the first VEGF inhibitor approved for dosing on a less than monthly basis for the treatment of DME.