No cure yet exists for wet AMD, but three FDA-approved therapies are slowing the progress of wet AMD and reducing the amount of vision loss. These treatments are ranibizumab (Lucentis), aflibercept (Eylea), and off-label bevacizumab (Avastin). These medications are highly successful, but they must be injected directly into the eye, and the treatment often needs [Read More]
Category: Research and Developments
Iluvien Similar to Anti-VEGF Drugs as Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy
(Updated 12/5/2017) On February 16, Charles C. Wykoff, MD, PhD, announced to the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting that Iluviuan (fluocinolone acetonide) treatment, after 1.3 injections over 3 years in the FAME trials, “significantly reduced progression to prolific diabetic retinopathy from 31% to 17%, a similar reduction as observed with monthly anti-VEGF treatments.” Iluvian [Read More]
RXI-109 May Reduce Retinal Scarring
New drug silences connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), which plays a key role in tissue regeneration and repair. by Dan Roberts (Updated August 2018) One of the most serious causes of vision loss is development of scar tissue on, in, or under the retina. People can develop retinal scarring from severe myopia, ocular histoplasmosis syndrome, [Read More]
Diet, exercise, smoking habits, and genes interact to affect AMD risk
NIH-funded study points to converging factors that drive disease-related inflammation People with a genetic predisposition for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) significantly increased their odds of developing the blinding eye disorder if they had a history of heavy smoking and consistently did not exercise or eat enough fruits and vegetables, according to an observational study of [Read More]
Ocata's Stem Cell Trials Entering Phase 2
Results from First Cohort Expected in the Second Quarter of 2016 Acucela (formerly Ocata) has announced that the first patient has been enrolled in the company’s Phase 2 clinical trial using Ocata’s proprietary RPE cells in patients with atrophic (dry) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The purpose of the trial is to evaluate safety and explore efficacy as compared [Read More]