Angiogenesis 2022 review: Research makes strides in geographic atrophy, diabetic eye disease

The 19th Angiogenesis, Exudation and Degeneration annual meeting, hosted by Bascom Palmer, was held February 11 and 12, 2022. The event was completely virtual, and it highlighted findings discussions about understanding and treating neovascular and exudative diseases of the eye.

Scientists, clinicians and healthcare experts gathered online to discuss developing pharmocotherapies as well as clinicial practice for management of neovascular AMD, macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and additional exudative diseases of the eye.

AMD

Wet AMD

Exploring the link between choriocapillaris, atrophy and neovascular AMD

At Angiogenesis, Dr SriniVas R. Sadda discusses how choriocapillaris may predict the rate of progression of atrophy.

Portal extension trial: PDS maintains visual and anatomic benefits over long term

Most patients who had received monthly injections, that is, 92%, preferred the PDS after switching, with 88% having a very strong preference.

Safety results for DAVIO trial: Positive outcomes for EYP-1901 for wet AMD

Previously treated patients showed significantly reduced treatment burden.

Geographic atrophy

Updates on FOCUS trial: CFI supplementing gene therapy in GA

Dr Nadia K. Waheed reviews the latest updates on the FOCUS trial, evaluating AAV-based viral vector GT005 for the treatment of geographic atrophy.

Subretinal implant for advanced dry AMD determined to be safe, well-tolerated

This study showed that an investigational subretinal implant, CPCB-RPE1, containing allogeneic human embryonic stem cell-derived RPE cells, was safe and well-tolerated by patients with dry AMD.

Stargardt Disease

Investigating Stargardt: RNA, gene therapy options for patients

Dr Carel Hoyng divulges the main takeaways from his Angiogenesis presentation, including the origins of Stargardt disease, correct diagnosis, ongoing gene therapy trials and the future of therapy.

Hope for Stargardt on the horizon: RNA therapy holds promise

Investigators in the Netherlands have developed an RNA therapy to halt the progression of Stargardt disease.

Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic retinopathy

Leveraging deep learning for diabetic retinopathy detection with ultra-wide field imaging

During her talk at Angiogenesis, Dr Anat Loewenstein outlines how artificial intelligence could revolutionize diabetic retinopathy screening.

Blocking Connexin-43 may improve diabetic retinopathy, AMD

Dr David S. Boyer describes how blocking Connexin-43 may improve the retinal vascular system function in patients with diabetes, potentially creating a future of oral medication for treatment of diabetic retinopathy and AMD.

Diabetic macular oedema

KESTREL, KITE studies: 100-week results of brolucizumab investigation

Dr Carl Regillo discusses the 100-week results of KESTREL and KITE, two pivotal Phase 3 studies for brolucizumab for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema.

Faricimab for DMO: Safe, durable treatment over the long term

Faricimab is the first bispecific antibody designed for intraocular use that blocks 2 pathways, the angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A pathways.

Once-daily oral dosing: a future boon for patients with DMO, GA, kidney disease

A once-daily oral drug targets inflammatory processes and thus far has been found to be well tolerated in a Phase 2 safety trial.

THR-149 demonstrated to be safe, well-tolerated for treatment of DMO

KALAHARI study finds THR-149 to be safe, well-tolerated with preliminary efficacy as treatment for DMO patients who respond suboptimally to anti-VEGF.

KALAHARI results indicate BCVA increase, stable CST in high-dose group

Dr Arshad M. Khanani reviews the Phase 2 part A results of the KALAHARI study of THR-149 for the treatment of DMO.