Retina

Iplex (mecasermin rinfabate), a complex of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I (rhIGF-I) and its predominant binding protein IGFBP-3 (rhIGFBP-3) developed for the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), has been granted orphan drug designation by the EMEA, according to a statement from Iplex developers Insmed Inc and Premacure AB.

MacuCLEAR and Mystic Pharmaceuticals are to collaborate on MacuCLEAR's upcoming Phase I/II trials of MC 1101 for the treatment and prevention of progression of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

International Stem Cell Corporation has begun preclinical testing of a stem cell treatment for retinal disease including macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

The Phase III trial of microplasmin for the treatment of back of the eye disease has been initiated, according to a statement from ThromboGenics NV, the developer of microplasmin.

The level of various inflammatory factors in the vitreous fluid is a significant factor in the severity of diabetic macular oedema (DME), according to study results published in the January issue of Ophthalmology.

Fixation stability influences the visual outcome following macular hole surgery, according to study results published in the January issue of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science.

Eyes treated with peripheral retinal cryotherapy lose accommodative amplitude after surgery, according to results of a study published in the January 2009 issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology.

NeoVista's epiretinal brachytherapy has been granted a compassionate waiver by the FDA to treat advanced wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in a patient who was not eligible for inclusion in NeoVista's current trials of the product.

A pilot study using Iluvien (an intravitreal insert delivering fluocinolone acetonide) to treat geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has begun enrolling patients, according to a statement from Alimera Sciences Inc, the developer of Iluvien.

Patients with type 1 diabetes who have been treated with intensive therapy have significantly lower incidences of retinopathy progression up to ten years, according to study results published in the December issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.

Topical Endoscopic Fundal Imaging (TEFI) offers a rapid, comprehensive and non-invasive method of monitoring retinal disease progression, according to a study published in the December issue of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science.

Avastin (bevacizumab; Genentech) increases the ease of vitrectomy in severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), according to a study published in the July issue of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology.

The lack of experience with evidence-based guidelines may be the reason for excessive follow-up after screening for hydroxychloroquine retinopathy, according to study results published in the December issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

When using bevacizumab to treat choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a loading dose (LD) of bevacizumab is more effective than an as-needed (PRN) dosing schedule, according to study results published in the December issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Pegaptanib sodium therapy is safe in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NV-AMD) up to three years, according to study results published in the December issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

It is possible to administer verteporfin and ranibizumab on the same day without adverse events, according to study results published in the December issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Until I see research to convince me otherwise, steroid therapy will continue to be my drug of choice.

25 G surgery offers enhanced patient comfort as well as faster postoperative recovery.

Problems with night vision correlate to an increase in the risk of symptoms of both the wet and dry forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to study results published in the November issue of Ophthalmology.

An antioxidant eye drop (OT-551, Othera) is being investigated to treat geographic atrophy in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The high incidence of side effects associated with steroids makes them a less favourable treatment option.

The slimmer design of 25 G instruments has left us exposed to an increased risk of complications and decreased surgical control.

The Phase I three-year feasibility study of the Argus II Retinal Implant for Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) will be expanded to enrol more patients in Europe, according to an announcement from Second Sight Medical Products, the implant's manufacturer.

An ophthalmology network, aiming to prevent loss of vision across the country, has been established in Wales.

Ellex's 2RT, a Retina Regeneration Therapy, is safe and effective in the treatment of macular oedema (ME) secondary to diabetic retinopathy (DR), according to study results presented at this year's American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting.

Four new ophthalmic lasers and delivery devices have been unveiled by Lumenis at the meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

A Phase I trial of POT-4, a complement inhibitor in development for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), have demonstrated that the agent is safe and well tolerated. The results were presented by Potentia Pharmaceuticals during the Retina Subspecialty Day at the meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

The Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT) from VisionCare for end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) maintains best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvements to two years, according to results published in the November edition of the American Journal of Ophthalmology.

Long-term use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs should be treated with caution, as endogenous VEGF plays an important role in the maintenance of retina neuronal cells, according to study results published by PLoS ONE on November 3.

The 23-gauge system for pars plana vitrectomy offers greater postoperative comfort for the patient than does the standard 20-gauge system, according to a study published online ahead of print by the British Journal of Ophthalmology.