Weekly Ophthalmic Newsletter

1. Novel Treatment Dramatically Slows Down Progression of AMD, RP

A breakthrough study has unveiled a promising advancement in the treatment of incurable eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa .

Researchers have successfully integrated anti-inflammatory drugs into a hydrogel, aiming to combat inflammation in the retina while efficiently delivering medication to the affected area. In a pioneering effort, the research team used a substance targeting the inflammatory factor EZH2, which contributes to retinal degeneration, alongside an anti-inflammatory agent.

Click here to read the full article.

2. Opthea Completes Patient Enrollment for Phase 3 Trial on Wet AMD

Opthea has reached a significant milestone in its quest to combat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with the completion of patient enrollment in the COAST phase 3 pivotal clinical trial. The trial investigates sozinibercept (OPT-302), a promising vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C/D inhibitor, in combination with aflibercept, an anti-VEGF-A therapy, for the treatment of wet AMD.

Opthea's sozinibercept clinical program comprises two phase 3 pivotal trials: COAST and ShORe. While enrollment in the COAST trial has been concluded, enrollment for the ShORe trial is expected to wrap up in the second quarter of 2024. Opthea aims to unveil topline results from both trials by mid-2025, with high hopes pinned on the potential of sozinibercept to deliver superior clinical outcomes.

Click here to read the full article.

3. Ophthalmologists Develop Novel Protocol to Rapidly Diagnose Eye Stroke

Ophthalmologists at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai have pioneered a novel protocol aimed at swiftly diagnosing eye stroke and expediting care to prevent irreversible vision loss.

Published in Ophthalmology, their study outlines the use of high-resolution retinal imaging in the emergency room, coupled with rapid remote consultation, to confirm diagnosis and facilitate prompt treatment, thereby enhancing outcomes for patients affected by eye stroke.

Click here to read the full article.

4. Lupin Launches Generic Bromfenac Ophthalmic Solution in the US

Lupin announced the launch of Bromfenac Ophthalmic Solution, 0.075% following the FDA approval.

Bromfenac Ophthalmic Solution, 0.075%, stands as a generic alternative to BromSite? Ophthalmic Solution, 0.075%, developed by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited. This latest offering from Lupin is designed to address postoperative inflammation and prevent ocular pain in individuals undergoing cataract surgery , catering to the medical needs of a significant patient population.

Click here to read the full article.

5. WashU Secures $20M Grant for Novel Eye Disease Screening Device

Washington University in St. Louis has been granted up to $20 million by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to spearhead the development of a novel portable device aimed at revolutionizing the detection of eye diseases.

The initiative, led by Chao Zhou, a professor of biomedical engineering in the McKelvey School of Engineering, seeks to harness innovative technologies to enhance optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems, crucial for high-resolution imaging of the eyes.

Click here to read the full article.

If you want to stay updated with the latest news via e-mail, click here to subscribe.