Age-Related Macular Degeneration

From a novel topical gene therapy to a multi-pathway targeting HF drug, the second quarter of 2023 is laden with interesting regulatory decisions.

A new analysis of OCT biomarkers may help elucidate the utility of OCT biomarkers as therapeutic predictors of ranibizumab treatment among eyes with diabetic macular edema.

After a two-year intensive therapy period, visual acuity was maintained or improved in nearly half of the ranibizumab-treated group and more than half of the aflibercept-treated group, but severely declined during the post-intensive period.

Our highlights from March 2023 included a teaser episode of a new KOL-led podcast, a feature elucidating a rare eye disease, and a look at the development of new therapies for geographic atrophy.

In families carrying very rare AMD-causing variants, the analysis found two proteins that may be the driving force behind AMD pathology in affected patients.

The presence of IRF at baseline harmed treatment response, while other factors were negligible on how well patients with nAMD responded to a loading dose of aflibercept.

Our latest podcast offering is an in-depth dive into ophthalmology hosted by Dr. Sheth, featuring conversations with experts on the latest research, conference news, and daily practice.

OCT features including a thin double-layer sign and cRORA in the fellow eye were associated with an increased risk of progression to cRORA over 2 years in eyes with iAMD.

Combination therapy of brolucizumab and monthly aflibercept monthly appeared well-tolerated and may be considered for eyes with macular fluid on every-8-week brolucizumab.

Higher serum 25(OH)D level was related to an increased risk of early AMD in those aged 60 years or younger, and decreased risk of late AMD in individuals older than 60 years.

The analysis of AMD progression found significant associations between worse initial visual acuity, the presence of wet AMD subtype in fellow eyes, and thyroxine treatment with disease development.

An analysis of optic nerve status in young adults suggests the largest RNFL deficits were found in those exposed to tobacco smoke during both fetal life and childhood.

Rates of change measured via macular OCT may prove beneficial for monitoring the progression of glaucoma in eyes with suspected glaucoma.

A new review considered the progression of 4 treatment options being researched and developed for the treatment of the progressive form of vision loss.

A deep learning model can identify both iRORA and cRORA lesions at a similar sensitivity compared with human graders, according to a new analysis.

Estimates of DR incidence and progression were lower than previously reported for American Indian and Alaska Native individuals served by the Indian Health Service, suggesting the potential for longer intervals between evaluations.

A new study from China shows predictive value of baseline PCV presence and PED characteristics among patients with nAMD receiving conbercept.

A new study supports an individualized treatment plan for aflibercept, showing its improved efficacy with fewer injections over 2 years.

The BLA for Regeneron's wet AMD and DME treatment was supported by two pivotal trials demonstrating non-inferior vision gains to aflibercept Injection, with most patients maintaining extended dosing regimens through 48 weeks

A prospective cross-sectional and community-based study from Hong Kong reported statistically significant biomarkers in predicting the risk of lower VA.

An analysis of data from AREDS2 suggests extramacular drusen in eyes with AMD are more frequent with an increased drusen burden within the macula.

The historic FDA approval of pegcetacoplan marks the first and only approved treatment for geographic atrophy. In a new interview, Dr. Wykoff expresses what approval means for patients with the debilitating disease.

Although the use of β-Blockers did not affect early-stage AMD, their long-term use was indicated to be protective against the risk of AMD among patients with hypertension.

A new study indicates that OCTA-derived features of MNV disease activity may be useful biomarkers to confirm MNV stability in patients with treated stable nAMD.

The therapy is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for geographic atrophy, with approval based on positive results from the phase 3 DERBY and OAKS trials.

The NDA has been granted Priority Review with a PDUFA goal date of August 19, 2023. The FDA is not currently planning to hold an Advisory Committee meeting.

A new analysis cautions against the use of the Amsler grid test, suggesting its performance is not at a level recommended for monitoring in a patient population with an a priori risk of nAMD.

Cross-sectional results from the population-based AugUR study suggest a highly significant association between prolonged PRT with early and late AMD.

The significant association between dietary calcium consumption and AMD risk indicates the need for further evaluation of dietary mineral elements in older adults in the US.

A meta-analysis and systematic review of RCTs saw no difference between face-down positioning and non-face-down positioning with regard to full-thickness macular hole closure.