Regeneron Pharmaceuticals’ Eylea (aflibercept) treatment for central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) has been approved by the European Commission. Eylea was approved in the United States for the treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2011, and for macular edema following CRVO in 2012. The drug has also been approved in Europe, Japan, Australia, [Read More]
Category: Latest News
Statin Therapy Lowers Risk of Cataracts
by Dan Roberts Statin therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation in the retina, but there has been some concern about cataract development for those who use the drugs. In a press conference at the European Society of Cardiology meeting, Aug 30, 2013, John B. Kostis, MD (UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, N.J.) [Read More]
"As-Needed" Injections Are an Option for Wet AMD
Two-year results from the recently-completed HARBOR trial showed that some patients with wet AMD fare as well from Lucentis (ranibizumab) injections on an as-needed basis compared to a monthly basis. The original Lucentis trial recommended monthly dosing until the eye stabilized. The follow-up study, however, found that 93% of patients responded well with an average [Read More]
Lampalizumab Effective in Slowing Progression of Dry AMD
Roche Pharmaceutical has announced positive phase II results from their MAHALO phase II study of lampalizumab (aka anti-factor D). The study showed a 20.4 percent reduction in progression of advanced dry macular degeneration (geographic atrophy) at 18 months. Lampalizumab is designed to inhibit Complement Factor D, a protein that is part of the alternative complement [Read More]
Support Groups Can Improve Quality of Life
by Dan Roberts Researchers have found that facilitated patient support groups can significantly improve visual quality of life (VQoL) for visually impaired people. Twenty-nine groups of up to six patients each were recruited for participation in a “peer group emotional support service” facilitated by trained counselors for a period of six months. Their responses to [Read More]