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]

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]

Long-term Treatment for Wet AMD Enters Phase 2 Trials

Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has announced that they have enrolled the first patient in their multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial of NT-503 Encapsulated Cell Therapy (ECT) for the long-term treatment of wet macular degeneration (AMD). NT-503 is a unique vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor protein continuously produced by Neurotech’s versatile ECT implant. “This landmark proof-of-concept [Read More]