Retina

The Phase II extension study of VEGF Trap-Eye for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has demonstrated extremely favourable results in relation to the primary and key secondary endpoints at the 12-week time point.

The incidence of endophthalmitis is independent of whether prophylactic antibiotics are administered in conjunction with Avastin (bevacizumab) injections, according to results of a study published in the February 2008 issue of Spektrum der Augenheilkunde.

The Phase IIb clinical trial of I-vation TA (Merck & Co), an intravitreal injection incorporating triamcinolone acetonide (TA) for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DME), has been suspended.

A genetic mutation that is associated with recessive cone-rod dystrophy in dachshunds may play the same role in humans, according to a study in the August 2008 issue of Genome Research.

IBI-20089, a drug candidate for the treatment of cystoid macular oedema (CME), has completed patient enrollment for initial clinical testing, according to the drug's manufacturer, Icon Bioscience Inc (IBI).

Sufferers of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) have a lower concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in the aqueous humour than non-sufferers, according to results of a study published in the August 2008 issue of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science.

Erythropoietin (EPO) could be responsible for the development of diabetic retinopathy, according to a study published in the August 2008 issue of Eye.

The incidence of sterile endophthalmitis occurring subsequent to an intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) is increasing, according to a study published in the August 2008 issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Focal/grid photocoagulation is more effective than intravitreal injections of preservative-free triamcinolone for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DME), according to a study published in the July 2008 issue of Ophthalmology.

Pfizer has begun dosing subjects in its Phase II trial for PF-4523655, an experimental treatment for Diabetic Macular Oedema (DME) developed in partnership with Quark Pharmaceuticals Inc.

All diagnosed diabetics aged 12 years and over should have access to free, annual retinal screening, according to Diabetes UK's Your Vision awareness campaign.

Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) can be beneficial in the treatment of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), according to a study published in the July 2008 issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Bevacizumab (Avastin) has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis and growth of retinoblastoma, according to results of a study published in the July 2008 issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.

Geuder Group discussed several new products, including Brilliant Peel vitreoretinal fluid dye and Siluron 2000, during a posterior segment symposium at this year's Euretina meeting.

Following disappointing clinical trial results, Alcon has discontinued its plans to develop anecortave acetate for the prevention of choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

A direct ophthalmic artery infusion of melphalan for retinoblastoma can enable eyes designated as enucleated to be salvaged, according to a study published in the July 2008 issue of Ophthalmology.

Longevinex (Resveratrol), a nutraceutical matrix, can remove lipofuscin deposits from the retina to improve visual acuity and night vision, according to research presented at this year's meeting of the American Academy of Optometry in Seattle, US.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is not the leading cause of ocular co-morbidity in diabetic subjects, according to a study published in the June 2008 issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Current screening of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) does not sufficiently identify those patients most at risk of wet AMD and hence is unable to prevent its development, according to a report published in the June 2008 issue of Eye.

Low doses of Alimera Sciences' Medidur FA provide visual acuity improvements and reduce the risk of ocular side effects commonly associated with corticosteroids, when administered to diabetic macular oedema (DME) patients, according to the three-month interim results of the first human pharmacokinetic (PK) study.

ThromboGenics' experimental enzyme therapy, microplasmin, has been shown to induce a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in over 30% of patients in the high dose group, without the need for surgical intervention, according to the results of the Phase IIb MIVI III (Microplasmin for Vitreous Injection) trial.

Pfizer is to fund research into the application of stem cells in degenerative retinal disease through a $3 million investment in EyeCyte, a company based in California, US.

Oertli has launched new instruments to be used in microincision surgery for the anterior and the posterior segments.

Dr John Nolan discusses the crucial role of the macular carotenoids in the prevention of this blinding disease.

A revolutionary, needle-free technology that has been designed to deliver retina therapies non-invasively, to the back of the eye, has been launched.

Surgical therapy for age-related macular degeneration in the form of macular translocation, injection of tissue plasminogen activator, and gas tamponade provides some improvements in visual acuity for patients whose conditions do not respond to the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs.

Fundus autofluorescence imaging, one of the modes available in a new instrument (Spectralis HRA+OCT, Heidelberg Engineering), enhances its utility as a diagnostic device and a tool for monitoring therapy of patients with retinal and macular diseases.

Trivaris (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension; Allergan), a synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid, has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of inflammatory ophthalmic conditions.

A new model can predict the percentage of people who will develop advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at various ages. The model, which is based on well-established risk factors for the disease such as age, smoking, and genetics, considers high-risk, intermediate-risk, and low-risk genotypes. Genotypes are more predictive of the risk of developing advanced AMD than is age.

Scientists who produced a visual prosthesis giving rudimentary sight to the blind are to receive the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2008 in recognition of their achievement.