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Pandit SA, Momenaei B, Wakabayashi T, Mansour HA, Vemula S, Durrani AF, Pashaee B, Kazan AS, Ho AC, Klufas M, Regillo C, Yonekawa Y, Hsu J, Kuriyan A, Chiang A. Clinical Outcomes of Faricimab in Patients with Previously Treated Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmol Retina 2024; 8:360-366. [PMID: 37913992 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2023.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the anatomic and functional outcomes in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) previously treated with anti-VEGF therapy in response to intravitreal faricimab. DESIGN Retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series. SUBJECTS Patients with previously treated nAMD who received ≥ 4 consecutive injections of faricimab were included. The study period was from March through November 2022. METHODS Clinical and imaging data were extracted from the electronic medical record. Central foveal thickness (CFT), maximum fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment (fvPED) height, and Snellen visual acuity (VA) were obtained. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the change in CFT, maximum fvPED height, and logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Change in CFT, maximum fvPED height, and Snellen VA before faricimab and after ≥ 4 faricimab intravitreal injections. RESULTS During the study period, 218 eyes of 191 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 79.9 (range, 70.6-89.2) years. The mean number of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections received before faricimab was 34.2 (range, 6.4-62). The following results were found after ≥ 4 faricimab injections. Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA before switching to faricimab was 0.58 (Snellen VA ∼20/76; range, 20/22-20/264) and was 0.55 (Snellen VA ∼20/71; range, 20/21-20/235; P = 0.20) after switching. Mean maximum fvPED height was 195.0 (range, 50.2-339.8) μm before switching to faricimab and improved to 165.0 (range, 33.6-296.4; P < 0.001) μm after switching. Mean CFT was 354.8 (range, 184.7-524.9) μm before switching to faricimab and improved to 306.6 (range, 144.4-468.8; P < 0.001) after switching. The proportion of eyes with intraretinal fluid was 36.7% (80/218 eyes) before switching, and decreased to 24.8% (54/218 eyes, P < 0.001) after switching. The proportion of eyes with subretinal fluid was 53.2% (116/218 eyes) before switching and decreased to 26.6% (58/218 eyes, P < 0.001) after switching. CONCLUSIONS Intravitreal faricimab may improve anatomic outcomes in patients with previously treated nAMD, while maintaining VA in the short-term. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saagar A Pandit
- The Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Wills Eye Physicians - Mid Atlantic Retina, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Bita Momenaei
- The Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Wills Eye Physicians - Mid Atlantic Retina, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Taku Wakabayashi
- The Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Wills Eye Physicians - Mid Atlantic Retina, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Hana A Mansour
- The Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Wills Eye Physicians - Mid Atlantic Retina, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sudheshna Vemula
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Asad F Durrani
- The Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Wills Eye Physicians - Mid Atlantic Retina, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Bahram Pashaee
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Adina S Kazan
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Allen C Ho
- The Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Wills Eye Physicians - Mid Atlantic Retina, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael Klufas
- The Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Wills Eye Physicians - Mid Atlantic Retina, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Carl Regillo
- The Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Wills Eye Physicians - Mid Atlantic Retina, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yoshihiro Yonekawa
- The Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Wills Eye Physicians - Mid Atlantic Retina, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jason Hsu
- The Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Wills Eye Physicians - Mid Atlantic Retina, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ajay Kuriyan
- The Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Wills Eye Physicians - Mid Atlantic Retina, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Allen Chiang
- The Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Wills Eye Physicians - Mid Atlantic Retina, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Sarraf D, Khanani AM, Sadda SR, Chang A, Wong DT, Kempf AS, Saffar I, Tang S, Tadayoni R. PIGMENT EPITHELIAL DETACHMENT THICKNESS AND VARIABILITY AFFECTS VISUAL OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION. Retina 2024; 44:10-19. [PMID: 37824807 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the impact of pigment epithelial detachment (PED) thickness (i.e., height) and thickness variability on best-corrected visual acuity outcomes in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration in the Phase 3 HAWK and HARRIER trials. METHODS Optical coherence tomography images from the pooled brolucizumab 6 mg and aflibercept 2 mg arms were analyzed for the maximum PED thickness across the macula at baseline through to week 96. Best-corrected visual acuity outcomes were compared in patients with different PED thickness and variability cut-off thresholds. RESULTS Greater PED thickness at baseline or at week 12 was associated with lower mean best-corrected visual acuity gain from baseline to week 96 (baseline PED ≥200 µ m: +4.6 letters; <200 µ m: +7.0 letters; week 12 PED ≥100 µ m: +5.6 letters; <100 µ m: +6.6 letters). Eyes with the largest PED thickness variability from week 12 through week 96 gained fewer letters from baseline at week 96 (≥33 µ m: +3.3 letters; <9 µ m: +6.2 letters). Furthermore, increased PED thickness at week 48 was associated with higher prevalence of intraretinal and subretinal fluid. CONCLUSION In this treatment-agnostic analysis, greater PED thickness and PED thickness variability were associated with poorer visual outcomes in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration and greater neovascular activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sarraf
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Arshad M Khanani
- Sierra Eye Associates, Reno, Nevada
- Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada
| | - SriniVas R Sadda
- Doheny Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Andrew Chang
- Sydney Retina Clinic, Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney University, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - David T Wong
- Unity Health Toronto-St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Ramin Tadayoni
- Department of Ophthalmology, Université Paris Cité, AP-HP, Lariboisière, Saint Louis, Missouri
- Rothschild Foundation Hospitals, Paris, France
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Finocchio L, Zeppieri M, Gabai A, Toneatto G, Spadea L, Salati C. Recent Developments in Gene Therapy for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3221. [PMID: 38137442 PMCID: PMC10740940 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex and multifactorial disease and a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the elderly population. The anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy has revolutionized the management and prognosis of neovascular AMD (nAMD) and is currently the standard of care for this disease. However, patients are required to receive repeated injections, imposing substantial social and economic burdens. The implementation of gene therapy methods to achieve sustained delivery of various therapeutic proteins holds the promise of a single treatment that could ameliorate the treatment challenges associated with chronic intravitreal therapy, and potentially improve visual outcomes. Several early-phase trials are currently underway, evaluating the safety and efficacy of gene therapy for nAMD; however, areas of controversy persist, including the therapeutic target, route of administration, and potential safety issues. In this review, we assess the evolution of gene therapy for nAMD and summarize several preclinical and early-stage clinical trials, exploring challenges and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Finocchio
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Andrea Gabai
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Giacomo Toneatto
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Leopoldo Spadea
- Eye Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Salati
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Daka Q, Špegel N, Atanasovska Velkovska M, Steblovnik T, Kolko M, Neziri B, Cvenkel B. Exploring the Relationship between Anti-VEGF Therapy and Glaucoma: Implications for Management Strategies. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4674. [PMID: 37510790 PMCID: PMC10380425 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A short-term increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) is a common side effect after intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, but a sustained increase in IOP with the development of secondary glaucoma has also been reported in some studies after repeated intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. The aim of this review is to present and discuss the possible pathophysiological mechanisms and factors contributing to a sustained rise in IOP, as well as treatment strategies for patients at risk. Close monitoring and adjustable IOP-lowering treatment are recommended for high-risk patients, including those with glaucoma, angle-closure anomalies, ocular hypertension or family history of glaucoma; patients receiving a high number of injections or at shorter intervals; and patients with capsulotomy. Strategies are needed to identify patients at risk in a timely manner and to prevent sustained elevation of IOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qëndresë Daka
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty, University of Prishtina, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo
- Eye Clinic, University Clinical Centre of Kosova, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Špegel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Tjaša Steblovnik
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miriam Kolko
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2600 Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Burim Neziri
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty, University of Prishtina, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Barbara Cvenkel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Leung EH, Oh DJ, Alderson SE, Bracy J, McLeod M, Perez LI, Bottini A, Chin Yee D, Mukkamala K. Initial Real-World Experience with Faricimab in Treatment-Resistant Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Clin Ophthalmol 2023; 17:1287-1293. [PMID: 37181079 PMCID: PMC10167970 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s409822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the initial efficacy and safety of intravitreal faricimab in eyes previously treated for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nARMD). Patients and methods A retrospective review of all patients with nARMD previously treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections who received at least 3 intravitreal faricimab injections with at least 3 months of follow-up. Results A total of 190 eyes were included. Patients received a mean of 34.2±23 anti-VEGF injections over 182.41±128 weeks prior to switching to faricimab. Patients then received a mean of 6.99±2.3 faricimab injections with an average 34.88±8.2 weeks of follow-up. The mean best corrected visual acuities improved from 0.33±0.32 logMAR ≈20/43 to 0.27±0.32 logMAR ≈20/37 (P=0.0022). The central subfield thickness (CST) improved from 312±87μm to 287±71μm (P<0.0001). At the last clinical visit, 24% had no subretinal fluid or intraretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography. The mean dosing interval between the last two consecutive faricimab injections (7.64±6.2 weeks) was significantly longer than that for ranibizumab (5.16±2.0 weeks, P<0.001) or aflibercept (5.57±3.6 weeks, P<0.001). No patients developed idiopathic intraocular inflammation. Conclusion Intravitreal faricimab was associated with improved vision and CSTs, even in treatment-resistant nARMD eyes. The mean last dosing interval for faricimab was longer than for ranibizumab or aflibercept. No significant adverse events were directly attributed to faricimab during the study.
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Khachigian LM, Liew G, Teo KYC, Wong TY, Mitchell P. Emerging therapeutic strategies for unmet need in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. J Transl Med 2023; 21:133. [PMID: 36810060 PMCID: PMC9942398 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03937-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a major cause of visual impairment and blindness. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, such as ranibizumab, bevacizumab, aflibercept, brolucizumab and faricimab have revolutionized the clinical management of nAMD. However, there remains an unmet clinical need for new and improved therapies for nAMD, since many patients do not respond optimally, may lose response over time or exhibit sub-optimal durability, impacting on real world effectiveness. Evidence is emerging that targeting VEGF-A alone, as most agents have done until recently, may be insufficient and agents that target multiple pathways (e.g., aflibercept, faricimab and others in development) may be more efficacious. This article reviews issues and limitations that have arisen from the use of existing anti-VEGF agents, and argues that the future may lie in multi-targeted therapies including alternative agents and modalities that target both the VEGF ligand/receptor system as well as other pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levon M. Khachigian
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Vascular Biology and Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Gerald Liew
- grid.476921.fCentre for Vision Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Kelvin Y. C. Teo
- grid.419272.b0000 0000 9960 1711Singapore National Eye Centre and Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore ,grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tien Y. Wong
- grid.419272.b0000 0000 9960 1711Singapore National Eye Centre and Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore ,grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore ,grid.12527.330000 0001 0662 3178Tsinghua Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Paul Mitchell
- grid.476921.fCentre for Vision Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
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Uwimana A, Ma C, Chen S, Ma X. Metformin therapy as a strategy to compensate anti-VEGF resistance in patients with diabetic macular edema. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31266. [PMID: 36281139 PMCID: PMC9592524 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the complication of diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of vision loss among diabetic patients. Metformin is the main antidiabetic treatment. It is preferable for its great anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is the preferable treatment for DME despite its lack of convincing results in some patients. To assess whether the combination of metformin and anti-VEGF drugs may decrease the risk of anti-VEGF resistance among DME patients. We included DME patients with a central retinal thickness (CRT) ≥ 250 μm who consecutively underwent at least 3 anti-VEGF therapies from January 1, 2020, to December 30, 2021. Anti-VEGF resistance was defined as persistent macular edema with decreased CRT ≤ 25% after 3 anti-VEGF injections. 109 patients were considered for this research, of whom 65 (59.6%) were resistant to anti-VEGF therapy. The mean CRT of the non-metformin group decreased from 344.88 ± 129.48 to 318.29 ± 123.23 (20.85%) and from 415.64 ± 144.26 to 277.11 ± 99.25 (31.51%) (P = .031) in the metformin group. Moreover, the metformin group had fewer resistant patients than the non-metformin, 24 (45.3%) versus 41 (73.2%). Furthermore, a considerable gain in visual acuity was observed in both groups, with a BCVA gain of 40.41% in the metformin group and 39.9% in the non-metformin group. Metformin may be combined with an anti-VEGF drug to minimize the risk of anti-VEGF resistance among DME patients. Moreover, it can serve to design effective therapeutic deliveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Uwimana
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Cong Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shengyao Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiang Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang Ma, Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 222 Zhongshan Road, Xigang District, Dalian 116044, China (e-mail: )
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Sharma A, Kumar N, Parachuri N, Bandello F, Kuppermann BD, Loewenstein A. Faricimab: Two in the Bush Is Proving Better than One in the Hand? Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2022; 30:1961-1963. [PMID: 34242102 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2021.1931350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Sharma
- Lotus Eye Hospital and Institute, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Nilesh Kumar
- Lotus Eye Hospital and Institute, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
| | | | - Francesco Bandello
- University Vita-Salute, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Baruch D Kuppermann
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Anat Loewenstein
- Division of Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Mishra SK, Kumar P, Khullar S, Joshi A, Sati A, Kumar SV, Unni D, Kumar A. Efficacy and safety of brolucizumab versus aflibercept in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a randomized trial in Indian patients. Int J Retina Vitreous 2022; 8:51. [PMID: 35902887 PMCID: PMC9331073 DOI: 10.1186/s40942-022-00401-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current standard treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) involves intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of two anti-VEGF drugs: brolucizumab and aflibercept, in treatment-naïve nAMD Indian patients over a period of 48 weeks. METHODS A prospective, randomized, single-centre, single-blinded, two-arm comparative study was conducted between March 2021 and February 2022. Of the 114 patients, 56 received intravitreal injections of brolucizumab (6 mg/50 µL) while 58 received aflibercept (2 mg/50 µL). The patients received 03 initial loading doses at 4-week intervals of both the agents and then respective therapies were given as individualized pro re nata (PRN) regimen based on the signs of active macular neovascularization. The functional and anatomical outcomes measured were mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR), central macular thickness (CMT, µm), presence of intraretinal fluid, subretinal fluid or subretinal hyper-reflective material. Furthermore, the average number of additional injections required after the loading doses, the injection-free interval and safety of both the drugs were also assessed. RESULTS Brolucizumab was found to be non-inferior to aflibercept in terms of mean change in BCVA (-0.13 ± 0.21 logMAR vs. -0.10 ± 0.15 logMAR) and reduction in CMT (-112.59 ± 81.23 µm vs. -86.38 ± 71.82 µm). The percentage of eyes with IRF and SHRM was comparable between both the groups while fewer eyes treated with brolucizumab indicated SRF presence than aflibercept after the loading doses. These beneficial effects of brolucizumab were observed with significant (p < 0.0001) lesser number of injections (1.8 ± 1.1 vs. 3.8 ± 1.5) from week 12 to week 48. Moreover, the probability of no injections after the loading doses was significantly higher with brolucizumab compared to aflibercept indicating prolonged injection-free intervals. The average ocular side effects were comparable in the two groups. One adverse event of severe vitritis requiring treatment with oral steroids occurred in Brolucizumab group, while no such event occurred in Aflibercept group. CONCLUSION The results of the present study suggest non-inferiority of brolucizumab PRN regimen to aflibercept PRN regimen in treatment naïve nAMD Indian patients while achieving longer inter-injection intervals. Trial registration Clinical Trial Registration of India (CTRI/2021/06/034415). Registered 03 March, 2021, http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=54328&EncHid=&userName = .
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Kumar Mishra
- Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital Research Referral, Delhi Cantt, Delhi, 110010, New Delhi, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital Research Referral, Delhi Cantt, Delhi, 110010, New Delhi, India.
| | - Srishti Khullar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital Research Referral, Delhi Cantt, Delhi, 110010, New Delhi, India
| | - Amrita Joshi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital Research Referral, Delhi Cantt, Delhi, 110010, New Delhi, India
| | - Alok Sati
- Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital Research Referral, Delhi Cantt, Delhi, 110010, New Delhi, India
| | - Sonali Vinay Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital Research Referral, Delhi Cantt, Delhi, 110010, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepesh Unni
- Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital Research Referral, Delhi Cantt, Delhi, 110010, New Delhi, India
| | - Atul Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital Research Referral, Delhi Cantt, Delhi, 110010, New Delhi, India
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Genetic Variants of Complement Factor H Y402H (rs1061170), C2 R102G (rs2230199), and C3 E318D (rs9332739) and Response to Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Treatment in Patients with Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58050658. [PMID: 35630075 PMCID: PMC9145696 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58050658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: To assess the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes encoding complement factors CFH, C2, and C3 (Y402H rs1061170, R102G rs2230199, and E318D rs9332739, respectively) and response to intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Materials and Methods: The study included 111 patients with exudative AMD treated with intravitreal bevacizumab or ranibizumab injections. Response to therapy was assessed on the basis of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) measured every 4 weeks for 12 months. The control group included 58 individuals without AMD. The SNPs were genotyped by a real-time polymerase chain reaction in genomic DNA isolated from peripheral blood samples. Results: The CC genotype in SNP rs1061170 of the CFH gene was more frequent in patients with AMD than in controls (p = 0.0058). It was also more common among the 28 patients (25.2%) with poor response to therapy compared with good responders (p = 0.0002). Poor responders, especially those without this genotype, benefited from switching to another anti-VEGF drug. At the last follow-up assessment, carriers of this genotype had significantly worse BCVA (p = 0.0350) and greater CRT (p = 0.0168) than noncarriers. TT genotype carriers showed improved BCVA (p = 0.0467) and reduced CRT compared with CC and CT genotype carriers (p = 0.0194). No associations with AMD or anti-VEGF therapy outcomes for SNP rs9332739 in the C2 gene and SNP rs2230199 in the C3 gene were found. Conclusions: The CC genotype for SNP rs1061170 in the CFH gene was associated with AMD in our population. Additionally, it promoted a poor response to anti-VEGF therapy. On the other hand, TT genotype carriers showed better functional and anatomical response to anti-VEGF therapy at 12 months than carriers of the other genotypes for this SNP.
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Biomarkers as Predictive Factors of Anti-VEGF Response. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051003. [PMID: 35625740 PMCID: PMC9139112 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration is the main cause of irreversible vision in developed countries, and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections are the current gold standard treatment today. Although anti-VEGF treatment results in important improvements in the course of this disease, there is a considerable number of patients not responding to the standardized protocols. The knowledge of how a patient will respond or how frequently retreatment might be required would be vital in planning treatment schedules, saving both resource utilization and financial costs, but today, there is not an ideal biomarker to use as a predictive response to ranibizumab therapy. Whole blood and blood mononuclear cells are the samples most studied; however, few reports are available on other important biofluid samples for studying this disease, such as aqueous humor. Moreover, the great majority of studies carried out to date were focused on the search for SNPs in genes related to AMD risk factors, but miRNAs, proteomic and metabolomics studies have rarely been conducted in anti-VEGF-treated samples. Here, we propose that genomic, proteomic and/or metabolomic markers could be used not alone but in combination with other methods, such as specific clinic characteristics, to identify patients with a poor response to anti-VEGF treatment to establish patient-specific treatment plans.
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Matonti F, Korobelnik JF, Dot C, Gualino V, Soler V, Mrejen S, Delyfer MN, Baillif S, Streho M, Gascon P, Creuzot-Garcher C, Kodjikian L. Comparative Effectiveness of Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapies for Managing Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11071834. [PMID: 35407439 PMCID: PMC8999505 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11071834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intravitreal injections (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) have become the standard of care for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although most pivotal trials have used monthly injections, alternative strategies that enable the injections to be administered on a more flexible schedule, including pro re nata (PRN) and treat-and-extend (T&E) regimens, are being applied more frequently. This review sought to provide further scientific evidence about the visual outcomes and treatment burden among the currently available anti-VEGF agents and regimens, including aflibercept, ranibizumab, abicipar and brolucizumab. To this end, a systematic review of published randomized studies was conducted from the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and the Cochrane library, and a meta-analysis was applied to the obtained data using single-means modeling to compare the efficacy and maintenance among the different available treatments and regimens at Years 1 and 2. Quality analysis identified the best-informed data for modeling purposes. Overall, 47 relevant publications were retrieved for the analysis. Superior efficacy, meaning that there were observed improvements in visual acuity (VA) and central retinal thickness (CRT), occurred with monthly versus PRN regimens, yet a higher IVI number was also observed. Conversely, the T&E regimens displayed similar efficacy to the monthly regimens, but with a reduced IVI number. Aflibercept T&E exhibited similar efficacy to ranibizumab T&E, but with significantly lower IVI numbers at both Year 1 (p < 0.0001) and Year 2 (p = 0.0011). Though all of the regimens resulted in maintained efficacy between Years 1 and 2, the required IVI number varied. The retrieved data did not enable other regimens or newer anti-VEGF agents such as brolucizumab to be compared. In conclusion, the T&E regimens were shown to be the most efficient, optimizing durable effectiveness whilst minimizing the IVI number in newly diagnosed exudative AMD, with aflibercept requiring the lowest IVI number.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Matonti
- Centre Monticelli Paradis, 433 Bis Rue Paradis, 13008 Marseille, France;
- National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), Timone Neuroscience Institue (INT), Aix Marseille University, 13008 Marseille, France
- Groupe Almaviva Santé, Clinique Juge, 13008 Marseille, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)4-91-16-22-32; Fax: +33-(0)4-91-16-22-10
| | - Jean-François Korobelnik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bordeaux University Hospital, 33000 Bordeaux, France; (J.-F.K.); (M.-N.D.)
- INSERM, BPH, UMR1219, Bordeaux University, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Corinne Dot
- Department of Ophthalmology, Desgenettes Military Hospital, 69003 Lyon, France;
| | - Vincent Gualino
- Clinique Honoré Cave, Department of Ophthalmology, 82000 Montauban, France;
- Unité de Rétine, Ophthalmology Department, Hôpital Pierre-Paul Riquet, Toulouse University Hospital, 31300 Toulouse, France;
- Place Baylac, TSA 40031, CEDEX 9, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Ophthalmology Department, AP-HP, Hôpital Lariboisière, Université de Paris, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Vincent Soler
- Unité de Rétine, Ophthalmology Department, Hôpital Pierre-Paul Riquet, Toulouse University Hospital, 31300 Toulouse, France;
- University Toulouse III, 31000 Toulouse, France
- CERCO UMR 5549, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Sarah Mrejen
- Centre d’Imagerie et de Laser, 75015 Paris, France;
- Centre Hospitalier National Ophtalmologique des 1520, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Marie-Noëlle Delyfer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bordeaux University Hospital, 33000 Bordeaux, France; (J.-F.K.); (M.-N.D.)
- INSERM, BPH, UMR1219, Bordeaux University, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Stéphanie Baillif
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pasteur 2 University Hospital, Côte d’Azur University, 06108 Nice, France;
| | - Maté Streho
- Explore Vision Centre, 75001 Paris, France;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lariboisière Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Pierre Gascon
- Centre Monticelli Paradis, 433 Bis Rue Paradis, 13008 Marseille, France;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aix-Marseille University, Hôpital Nord, Chemin des Bourrely, 13008 Marseille, France
| | | | - Laurent Kodjikian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69002 Lyon, France;
- UMR-CNRS 5510 Matéis, University of Lyon, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
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13
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Gigon A, Iskandar A, Eandi CM, Mantel I. Fluid dynamics between injections in incomplete anti-VEGF responders within neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a prospective observational study. Int J Retina Vitreous 2022; 8:19. [PMID: 35260186 PMCID: PMC8902718 DOI: 10.1186/s40942-022-00363-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of the study was to investigate the short-term response profile after an intravitreal injection (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and incomplete response to anti-VEGF. Methods In this monocentric prospective observational study, we recruited patients with incomplete response to anti-VEGF, defined as presence of subretinal fluid (SRF) and/or intraretinal fluid (IRF) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) for at least 6 months despite monthly anti-VEGF treatment. Each patient underwent complete ophthalmic exam and imaging study (including OCT, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, OCT-angiography) the day of their scheduled monthly IVI. Intermediate visits were performed weekly thereafter (comprising ophthalmic exam and OCT), until week 4. Fluid metrics were quantified using an artificial intelligence-based algorithm at baseline and at each subsequent weekly visit. Main outcomes were residual fluid volumes of SRF and IRF for each time point, and its relative change after treatment. Particular interest was given to each patients’ nadir point, which was used for association analysis with imaging parameters. Results A total of 28 eyes of 26 patients were included into the study. The maximal response was reached at 1.93 weeks on average. The relative fluid resolution at nadir point was 66 ± 36.7%, with quartile limits at 49.1%, 83%, and 96.1%, respectively. Mean residual fluid volume was 64.9 ± 128.8 µl at nadir point. Residual fluid was positively correlated with baseline SRF (r = 0.76, p < 0.0001) and larger pigment epithelium detachment (r = 0.65, p = 0.0001). Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy was associated with larger residual fluid (p = 0.0013). Conclusions Incomplete anti-VEGF responders in nAMD showed significant mean fluid resolution between injections, typically after 2 weeks. However, complete resolution was the exception, and the amount of residual fluid varied greatly. To understand the role of the unresponsive fluid, further studies are needed.
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Comparison of agents using higher dose anti-VEGF therapy for treatment-resistant neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 260:2239-2247. [DOI: 10.1007/s00417-021-05547-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Deissler HL, Rehak M, Busch C, Wolf A. Blocking of VEGF-A is not sufficient to completely revert its long-term effects on the barrier formed by retinal endothelial cells. Exp Eye Res 2022; 216:108945. [PMID: 35038456 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.108945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The VEGF-A-induced functional impairment of the barrier formed by retinal endothelial cells (REC) can be prevented and even - at least temporarily - reverted by trapping the growth factor in a complex with a VEGF-binding protein or by inhibiting the activity of the VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). In an approach to emulate the clinically relevant situation of constant exposure to effectors, we investigated (1) whether prolonged exposure to VEGF-A165 for up to six days results in a different type of disturbance of the barrier formed by immortalized bovine REC (iBREC) and (2) whether alterations of the barrier induced by VEGF-A165 can indeed be sustainably reverted by subsequent treatment with the VEGF-A-binding proteins ranibizumab or brolucizumab. As a measure of barrier integrity, the cell index (CI) of iBREC cultivated on gold electrodes was monitored continuously. CI values declined shortly after addition of the growth factor and then remained low for more than six days over which considerable amounts of both extra- and intracellular VEGF-A were measured. Interestingly, the specific VEGFR2 inhibitor nintedanib normalized the lowered CI when added to iBREC pre-treated with VEGF-A165 for one day, but failed to do so when cells had been exposed to the growth factor for six days. Expression of the tight junction (TJ) protein claudin-5 was unchanged early after addition of VEGF-A165 but higher after prolonged treatment, whereas decreased amounts of the TJ-protein claudin-1 remained low, and increased expression of the plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP) remained high during further exposure. After two days, the characteristic even plasma membrane stainings of claudin-1 or claudin-5 appeared weaker or disordered, respectively. After six days the subcellular localization of claudin-5 was similar to that of control cells again, but claudin-1 remained relocated from the plasma membrane. To counteract these effects of VEGF-A165, brolucizumab or ranibizumab was added after one day, resulting in recovery of the then lowered CI to normal values within a few hours. However, despite the VEGF antagonist being present, the CI declined again two days later to values that were just slightly higher than without VEGF inhibition during further assessment for several days. At this stage, neither the supernatants nor whole cell extracts from iBREC treated with VEGF-A165 and its antagonists contained significant amounts of free VEGF-A. Treatment of VEGF-A165-challenged iBREC with ranibizumab or brolucizumab normalized expression of claudin-1 and claudin-5, but not completely that of PLVAP. Interestingly, the characteristic VEGF-A165-induced relocalization of claudin-1 from the plasma membrane was reverted within one day by any of the VEGF antagonists, but reappeared despite their presence after further exposure for several days. Taken together, barrier dysfunction induced by VEGF-A165 results from deregulated para- and transcellular flow but the precise nature or magnitude of underlying changes on a molecular level clearly depend on the time of exposure, evolving into a stage of VEGF-A165-independent barrier impairment. These findings also provide a plausible explanation for resistance to treatment with VEGF-A antagonists frequently observed in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidrun L Deissler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Matus Rehak
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Catharina Busch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Armin Wolf
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
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16
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Zaytseva OV, Neroeva NV, Okhotsimskaya TD, Bobykin EV. [Anti-VEGF therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: causes of incomplete response]. Vestn Oftalmol 2021; 137:152-159. [PMID: 34726870 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma2021137051152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is one of the leading causes of decreased vision in the elderly population in many countries, including Russia. Anti-VEGF therapy is undoubtedly the «gold standard» of treatment for the disease, but its use in different patients is known to produce results with significant interindividual differences. This article reviews modern ideas about the clinical assessment of the degree of response to anti-VEGF therapy, possible reasons for its insufficient effectiveness (clinical, pharmacological, or related to nAMD pathogenesis), discusses the potential applications of the existing therapeutic strategies, and considers the prospects for the emergence of new strategies that could be used for solving that problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- O V Zaytseva
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia.,A.I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - N V Neroeva
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - T D Okhotsimskaya
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - E V Bobykin
- Ural State Medical University, Yekaterinburg, Russia
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17
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Ogura Y, Jaffe GJ, Cheung CMG, Kokame GT, Iida T, Takahashi K, Lee WK, Chang AA, Monés J, D'Souza D, Weissgerber G, Gedif K, Koh A. Efficacy and safety of brolucizumab versus aflibercept in eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in Japanese participants of HAWK. Br J Ophthalmol 2021; 106:994-999. [PMID: 34301613 PMCID: PMC9234403 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2021-319090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To compare the efficacy and safety of brolucizumab versus aflibercept in eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) over 96 weeks in the HAWK study. Design HAWK was a global, 2-year, randomised, double-masked, multicentre phase III trial in participants with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Methods Of the Japanese participants with PCV, 39 received brolucizumab 6 mg and 30 received aflibercept 2 mg. After 3 monthly loading doses, brolucizumab-treated eyes received an injection every 12 weeks (q12w) but were adjusted to q8w if disease activity was detected. Aflibercept-treated eyes received fixed q8w dosing. Mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the proportion of participants on q12w, retinal thickness, retinal fluid changes and safety were assessed to Week 96. Results Mean change in BCVA (early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) letters) from baseline to week 48/week 96 was+10.4/+11.4 for brolucizumab and +11.6/+11.1 for aflibercept. For brolucizumab-treated eyes, the probability of only q12w dosing after loading through week 48 was 76%, and 68% through week 96. Fluid resolution was greater with brolucizumab than aflibercept: respective proportions of eyes with intraretinal fluid and/or subretinal fluid were 7.7% and 30% at week 48% and 12.8% and 16.7% at week 96. Brolucizumab exhibited an overall well-tolerated safety profile despite a higher rate of intraocular inflammation compared with aflibercept. Conclusion In Japanese eyes with PCV, brolucizumab q12w/q8w monotherapy resulted in robust and consistent BCVA gains that were comparable to q8w aflibercept dosing. Anatomical outcomes favoured brolucizumab over aflibercept, with 76% of brolucizumab participants maintained on q12w dosing after loading to week 48.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Ogura
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Glenn J Jaffe
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Gregg T Kokame
- University of Hawaii School of Medicine, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Tomohiro Iida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kanji Takahashi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kansai Medical University, Moriguchi, Japan
| | - Won Ki Lee
- Nune Eye Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Andrew A Chang
- Sydney Retina Clinic, Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jordi Monés
- Institut de la Màcula, Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Macula Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Adrian Koh
- Eye and Retina Surgeons, Camden Medical Centre, Singapore
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18
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Ruiz-Moreno JM, Arias L, Abraldes MJ, Montero J, Udaondo P. Economic burden of age-related macular degeneration in routine clinical practice: the RAMDEBURS study. Int Ophthalmol 2021; 41:3427-3436. [PMID: 34110547 PMCID: PMC8450213 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-021-01906-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe and evaluate the main direct health costs, in routine clinical practice, of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients, from hospital perspective, in Spain. METHODS Retrospective, multicenter, and observational study conducted on five third-level Spanish hospitals, between December 2018 and December 2019. The study included patients who were diagnosed of AMD before December 2018. Direct healthcare costs were obtained from a Spanish database. Study variables included demographic and clinical variables, and resources, such as treatment, diagnostic tests, medical examination, and surgery. Among the 1414 screened AMD patients, 1164 patients were included. In the overall study patients, the total cost was €5,386,511.0, with a mean cost per patient of €4627.6 ± 2383.9. The largest cost items were diagnostic examinations (€2.832.902,0) and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (anti-VEGF) treatment (€2.038.257,2). Bevacizumab was administered to 325 (27.9%) patients, ranibizumab to 328 (28.2%), and aflibercept to 626 (53.8%); 115 (10.7%) patients received two anti-VEGF treatments, while 90 (7.7%) did not receive any. Over the course of the study, a total of 6,057 anti-VEGF injections were administered, with a mean (95% confidence interval) of 4.8 (4.4-5.2) injections per patient. Regarding safety, 29 patients experience injection-related adverse events, among them 12 patients had cataract and 11 ones elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). The incidence of endophthalmitis was 0.5% (6/1164). CONCLUSIONS AMD was associated with considerable healthcare costs for regional healthcare systems. Diagnostic examinations, particularly OCT examinations, and anti-VEGF treatment represented the largest cost items.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Ruiz-Moreno
- Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda University Hospital, Joaquín Rodrigo, 2 Majadahonda, 28222, Madrid, Spain. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Castilla La Mancha University, Albacete, Spain. .,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud: "Prevención, detección precoz, y Tratamiento de La Patología Ocular Prevalente, Degenerativa Y Crónica" (RD16/0008/0021), Spanish Ministry of Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. .,, Miranza, Spain.
| | - Luís Arias
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
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Hamid MA, Abdelfattah NS, Salamzadeh J, Abdelaziz STA, Sabry AM, Mourad KM, Shehab AA, Kuppermann BD. Aflibercept therapy for exudative age-related macular degeneration resistant to bevacizumab and ranibizumab. Int J Retina Vitreous 2021; 7:26. [PMID: 33795022 PMCID: PMC8017745 DOI: 10.1186/s40942-021-00299-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the good outcomes achieved with intravitreal angiogenic therapy, a subset of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients experience resistance to therapy after repeated injections. Switching drugs could offer benefit to this group of patients. Purpose To determine visual and anatomical outcomes in a cohort of neovascular AMD patients resistant to repeated injections of bevacizumab/ranibizumab after switching to aflibercept therapy. Methods This was a retrospective chart review of patients who had a diagnosis of neovascular AMD and persistent intraretinal (IRF) and/or subretinal fluid (SRF) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) for at least 3 months despite monthly bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab injections prior to transition to aflibercept. We reviewed patients’ records and OCT images obtained at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after transition to aflibercept. Data collected included demographics, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), number of injections received and the occurrence of any adverse events. Studied OCT parameters included central macular thickness (CMT) values and the presence or absence of SRF, IRF and/or pigment epithelial detachment (PED) at each visit. Results We included 53 eyes of 48 patients. Mean change in BCVA from baseline was 0.05 ± 0.13 (P = 0.01) at M1, 0.04 ± 0.16 (P = 0.08) at M3, 0.01 ± 0.22 (P = 0.9) at M6, and 0.02 ± 0.28 (P = 1) at M12, while the mean change in CMT from baseline was 64 ± 75 μm (P < 0.0001) at M1, 42 ± 85 μm (P = 0.002) at M3, 47 ± 69 μm (P < 0.0001) at M6, and 46 ± 99 μm (P = 0.001) at M12. The percentage of eyes with SRF decreased from 77.4% at baseline to 39.6% at M1, then increased to 47.2% at M3, then decreased to 43.4% at M6, and to 41.5% at M12 (All p < 0.001, compared to baseline). Compared to baseline, there was a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of eyes having IRF from 47.2 to 20.8% at M1 (p < 0.001), 30.2% at M3, 24.5% at M6 and 26.4% at M12 (p < 0.01, each). The number of bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab injections (7.36 ± 1.85) was significantly higher than that of aflibercept (6.47 ± 2.45, p = 0.001). A significant direct relationship between CMT reduction and BCVA improvement was demonstrated at M1 (p = 0.01, r = 0.36), M3 (p = 0.03, r = 0.30) and M12 (p = 0.03, r = 0.30). Eyes with IRF had significantly poorer BCVA than eyes without IRF at baseline (p = 0.02) and M3 (p = 0.04). Conclusion Switching to intravitreal aflibercept therapy in a cohort of neovascular AMD patients resistant to chronic bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab injections can lead to significant visual improvement in the short term and sustained reduction of central macular thickness over 1 year of followup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Hamid
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Minia University, Minia, 61111, Egypt.
| | - Nizar S Abdelfattah
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jamshid Salamzadeh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, and Pharmacoeconomy and Pharma-Management, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ahmed M Sabry
- Department of Ophthalmology, Minia University, Minia, 61111, Egypt
| | - Khaled M Mourad
- Department of Ophthalmology, Minia University, Minia, 61111, Egypt
| | - Azza A Shehab
- Department of Ophthalmology, Minia University, Minia, 61111, Egypt
| | - Baruch D Kuppermann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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Ricci F, Bandello F, Navarra P, Staurenghi G, Stumpp M, Zarbin M. Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Therapeutic Management and New-Upcoming Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218242. [PMID: 33153227 PMCID: PMC7662479 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) constitutes a prevalent, chronic, and progressive retinal degenerative disease of the macula that affects elderly people and cause central vision impairment. Despite therapeutic advances in the management of neovascular AMD, none of the currently used treatments cures the disease or reverses its course. Medical treatment of neovascular AMD experienced a significant advance due to the introduction of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (anti-VEGF), which dramatically changed the prognosis of the disease. However, although anti-VEGF therapy has become the standard treatment for neovascular AMD, many patients do not respond adequately to this therapy or experience a slow loss of efficacy of anti-VEGF agents after repeated administration. Additionally, current treatment with intravitreal anti-VEGF agents is associated with a significant treatment burden for patients, caregivers, and physicians. New approaches have been proposed for treating neovascular AMD. Among them, designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) seem to be as effective as monthly ranibizumab, but with greater durability, which may enhance patient compliance with needed injections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-33-5663-3319
| | - Francesco Bandello
- Scientific Institute San Raffaele, University Vita Salute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Pierluigi Navarra
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, Catholic University, 00198 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Michael Stumpp
- Molecular Partners AG—Wagistrasse, 14 8952 Zurich-Schlieren, Switzerland;
| | - Marco Zarbin
- Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA;
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21
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Nguyen QD, Heier JS, Do DV, Mirando AC, Pandey NB, Sheng H, Heah T. The Tie2 signaling pathway in retinal vascular diseases: a novel therapeutic target in the eye. Int J Retina Vitreous 2020; 6:48. [PMID: 33072401 PMCID: PMC7557096 DOI: 10.1186/s40942-020-00250-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Retinal vascular diseases such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and/or diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion with macular edema—share several key pathophysiologic aspects including neovascularization, vascular permeability, and inflammation. The role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in these processes, and the therapeutic benefits of VEGF inhibition, have been well characterized. Anti-VEGF therapy is highly effective for many patients but is not uniformly effective in all patients and imposes a significant treatment burden. More recently, the role of the Tie2 signaling pathway in the pathophysiology of retinal vascular diseases has been investigated, and the Tie2 pathway represents a novel therapeutic target for these conditions. Areas covered The index review describes the Tie2 pathway and its complementary role to the VEGF pathway in the angiogenesis cascade and will summarize studies of molecules in development to therapeutically modulate the Tie2 pathway in retinal vascular diseases. Conclusions Activation of the Tie2 pathway leads to downstream signaling that promotes vascular health and stability and decreases vascular permeability and inflammation. AXT107 is a collagen IV–derived synthetic peptide with a dual mechanism of action that involves suppression of VEGF signaling and activation of the Tie2 pathway; these actions are accomplished by AXT107 binding to and disrupting different integrin, leading to blockade of the VEGF receptor and rearrangement of cellular Tie2 rendering it susceptible to Ang2 agonism. Other Tie2 agonist compounds are also in development, including faricimab and razuprotafib. Tie2 activation only modestly impacts angiogenesis on its own but significantly potentiates VEGF suppression. Co-regulation of the VEGF and Tie2 signaling pathways has the potential to improve functional and structural outcomes in eyes with retinal vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Dong Nguyen
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, 2370 Watson Court, Suite 200, Palo Alto, CA 94303 USA
| | | | - Diana V Do
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, 2370 Watson Court, Suite 200, Palo Alto, CA 94303 USA
| | | | | | - Huan Sheng
- AsclepiX Therapeutics, Baltimore, MD USA
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Xie L, Ji X, Tu Y, Wang K, Zhu L, Zeng X, Wang X, Zhang J, Zhu M. MLN4924 inhibits hedgehog signaling pathway and activates autophagy to alleviate mouse laser-induced choroidal neovascularization lesion. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 130:110654. [PMID: 34321162 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), featured as choroidal neovascularization (CNV), can cause blindness in the elderly population. MLN4924, a highly selective small-molecule inhibitor of NEDD8 (neuronal precursor cell-expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 8)-activating enzyme (NAE), inhibits the proliferation, angiogenesis and inflammation of multiple cancers via up-regulating hedgehog pathway-regulated autophagy. MLN4924 intraperitoneal injection mitigated the leakage, area and volume of mouse laser-induced CNV lesion. Additionally, compared to CNV 7 d group, MLN4924 treated mouse retina-retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-choroid complex showed decreased expression of hedgehog pathway-associated molecules patched 1 (PTCH1), smoothened (SMO), GLI family zinc finger 1 (GLI1) and GLI family zinc finger 2 (GLI2) with increased expression of autophagy-associated molecules sequestosome 1 (p62) and LC microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3). Meanwhile, human choroidal endothelial cells (HCECs) exposed to hypoxia condition also showed decreased expression of hedgehog pathway-associated molecules and increased expression of autophagy-associated molecules. Compared to hypoxia + MLN4924 group, SMO agonist SAG up-regulated hedgehog pathway and down-regulated autophagy, whereas autophagy inhibitor PIK-III inhibited autophagy with no effect on hedgehog pathway, indicating that MLN4924 facilitated autophagy of HCECs via hindering hedgehog pathway under hypoxia condition. Finally, MLN4924 inhibited proliferation, migration and tube formation of HCECs via boosting hedgehog pathway-regulated autophagy. In summary, MLN4924 relieved the formation of mouse laser-induced CNV lesion might via up-regulating hedgehog pathway-regulated autophagy. The results provide a potential interfering strategy for nAMD targeting the autophagy of choroidal endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laiqing Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lixiang Eye Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lixiang Eye Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Linling Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lixiang Eye Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinwei Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ji Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Manhui Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lixiang Eye Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Ong EL, Spooner K, Hong T, Chang A. Brolucizumab: an evolution in treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2020.1735363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ee Lin Ong
- Sydney Retina Clinic & Day Surgery, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Vision Science, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kimberly Spooner
- Sydney Retina Clinic & Day Surgery, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Vision Science, Sydney, Australia
| | - Thomas Hong
- Sydney Retina Clinic & Day Surgery, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Vision Science, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew Chang
- Sydney Retina Clinic & Day Surgery, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Vision Science, Sydney, Australia
- Retinal Unit, Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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24
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Yang J, Zhang C, Wang E, Chen Y, Yu W. Utility of a public-available artificial intelligence in diagnosis of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 258:17-21. [DOI: 10.1007/s00417-019-04493-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
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Spooner K, Hong T, Bahrami B, Chang A. A meta-analysis of patients with treatment-resistant macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusions following switching to aflibercept. Acta Ophthalmol 2019; 97:15-23. [PMID: 30251325 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
To systematically review anatomical and functional outcomes of switching therapy from bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab to aflibercept in patients with persistent macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusions (RVO). A systematic search of aflibercept for the treatment of persistent macular oedema secondary to branch and central RVO was performed in EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane databases prior to June 2017. The main outcome variables described were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT). All results were analysed and pooled using random-effects models with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Eight studies met the inclusion criteria with a total of 137 eyes, incorporating both branch and central RVO. Meta-analysis demonstrated a nonsignificant change in BCVA at 6 and 12 months following switch to aflibercept (4.40 letters, 95% CI: -3.10 to 11.90, p = 0.25 and 3.10 letters, 95% CI: -1.74 to 7.94, p = 0.21, respectively). Significant improvement in mean CMT was observed after switch to aflibercept at 6 (-256.00 μm, 95% CI: -318.00 to -194.00, p < 0.001) but not 12 months (-118.00 μm, 95% CI: -261.00 to 25.00, p = 0.11). Switching from bevacizumab/ranibizumab to aflibercept may improve persistent macular oedema secondary to RVO. However, there may be a limitation in the potential of visual recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Spooner
- Sydney Retina Clinic & Day Surgery; Sydney NSW Australia
- Sydney Institute of Vision Science; Sydney NSW Australia
- University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Thomas Hong
- Sydney Retina Clinic & Day Surgery; Sydney NSW Australia
- Sydney Institute of Vision Science; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Bobak Bahrami
- Sydney Retina Clinic & Day Surgery; Sydney NSW Australia
- University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Andrew Chang
- Sydney Retina Clinic & Day Surgery; Sydney NSW Australia
- Sydney Institute of Vision Science; Sydney NSW Australia
- University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
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A Discussion of Commercially Available Intra-ocular Telescopic Implants for Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmol Ther 2018; 7:33-48. [PMID: 29700786 PMCID: PMC5997589 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-018-0129-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment in the western world, causing significant reduction in quality of life. Despite treatment advances, the burden of visual impairment caused by AMD continues to rise. In addition to traditional low vision rehabilitation and support, optical and electronic aids, and strategies to enhance the use of peripheral vision, implantable telescopic devices have been indicated as a surgical means of enhancing vision. Here we examine the literature on commercially available telescopic devices discussing their design, mode of action, surgical procedure and published outcomes on visual acuity, quality of life, surgical complication rates and cost effectiveness data where available.Funding Article processing charges were funded by VisionCare Inc.
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Budzinskaya MV, Plyukhova AA, Sorokin PA. [Anti-VEGF therapy resistance in neovascular age-related macular degeneration]. Vestn Oftalmol 2018; 133:103-108. [PMID: 28980574 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma20171334103-108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
With account to the increase in the elderly population in most of the developed countries, the WHO defines age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as one of the main causes of blindness in the world. A large percentage of disability is accounted for by exudative, or neovascular, form of AMD. Today, a total of 5 anti-VEGF drugs exist that are recommended for treatment of exudative AMD: pegaptanib, ranibizumab, bevacizumab, aflibercept, and conbercept. Despite significant progress in the treatment of neovascular AMD yielded by the introduction into clinical practice of anti-VEGF drugs, some patients report a lack (down to complete lack) of response with standard treatment patterns and even a decrease in treatment efficacy after repeated intravitreal injections.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Budzinskaya
- Research Institute of Eye Disease, 11 A, B, Rossolimo St., Moscow, Russia, 119021
| | - A A Plyukhova
- Research Institute of Eye Disease, 11 A, B, Rossolimo St., Moscow, Russia, 119021
| | - P A Sorokin
- Eyesight Recovery Center, 11 A, B, Rossolimo St., Moscow, Russia, 119021
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ROLE OF ADDITIONAL DEXAMETHASONE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF PERSISTENT OR RECURRENT NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION UNDER RANIBIZUMAB TREATMENT. Retina 2017; 37:962-970. [PMID: 27575409 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000001264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the efficacy of a combination therapy of intravitreal ranibizumab together with a dexamethasone implant in comparison with ranibizumab monotherapy in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. METHODS Forty eyes of recurrent or persistent neovascular age-related macular degeneration were included in this prospective study. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Based on a pro re nata treatment regimen, the first group received intravitreal ranibizumab monotherapy (IVM). The second group received a combination of intravitreal dexamethasone implant and ranibizumab (intravitreal combination [IVC]) at baseline and was retreated with ranibizumab as needed. A second dexamethasone implant was allowed for retreatment after at least 6 months. Retreatment criteria included evidence of subretinal fluid, cystoid macular edema or new hemorrhage, and/or a visual acuity decrease of 5 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters. RESULTS During 12 months, a mean of 7.95/5.5 (IVM/IVC; P = 0.042) retreatments were given. The median time until first retreatment differed significantly between the groups (P = 0.004). Functional variables could be maintained in both groups with no differences between them. Visual acuity changed from 62 letters at baseline to 67 at Month 12 in the IVM and remained stable at 68 letters in the IVC group (P = 0.68); macular sensitivity changed from 6.95 dB to 7.01 dB in IVM and from 7.24 dB to 7.12 dB in IVC (P = 0.4). Central retinal thickness decreased, however, with no difference between the groups (P = 0.38). In the IVM/IVC group, 11/12 (55/60%) patients were phakic at the time of study entry. One (9%) patient from the IVM and 4 (33%) from the IVC group were referred to cataract surgery after study completion (P = 0.4). CONCLUSION This pilot study indicates combined therapy to delay retreatment in patients with persistent/recurrent neovascular age-related macular degeneration and an overall reduction in required ranibizumab retreatments compared with ranibizumab monotherapy with consistent functional outcomes.
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Kapoor KG, Sim J. Spironolactone as an Adjunctive Treatment in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Case Rep Ophthalmol 2017. [PMID: 28626417 PMCID: PMC5471798 DOI: 10.1159/000475880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a potentially sight-threatening condition. The current standard-of-care treatment regimen is serial intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injections. While these typically have great success, they do carry exceptional treatment burden on the patient, cost burden due to their required frequency of use, and the risk of endophthalmitis, which can be devastating. This case report explores an alternative potential option as a treatment adjunct for neovascular AMD (nAMD), and identifies some of the overlap between nAMD and central serous chorioretionpathy. Future research is needed to better understand the role of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist treatment in this disease spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kapil G Kapoor
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, Wagner Macula & Retina Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
| | - Jennifer Sim
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, Wagner Macula & Retina Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
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30
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Spooner K, Hong T, Wijeyakumar W, Chang AA. Switching to aflibercept among patients with treatment-resistant neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Clin Ophthalmol 2017; 11:161-177. [PMID: 28123287 PMCID: PMC5229260 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s125676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To systematically review anatomical and functional outcomes subsequent to switching from bevacizumab/ranibizumab to aflibercept monotherapy in patients with treatment-resistant neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched up to July 2016 for available scientific literature which met inclusion criteria. Eligible studies reported visual and anatomical outcomes with at least 6 months of follow-up among patients with nAMD and persistent or resistant exudative fluid despite previous anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy (bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab) and were switched to aflibercept monotherapy. Mean changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were pooled using random-effects models with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Of 82 papers reviewed, 28 studies met inclusion criteria of this review. Pooled results showed a small mean improvement in BCVA at 6 and 12 months following switching (1.11 letters, 95% CI −0.25 to 2.46, P=0.17 and 0.63 letters, 95% CI −0.26 to 1.52, P=0.17, respectively). There was a significant improvement in mean CRT following switching (−61.90 µm, 95% CI −77.10 to −46.80, P<0.001 and −50.00 µm, 95% CI −63.20 to −36.80, P<0.001 at 6 and 12 months, respectively). Conclusion Pooled analysis demonstrated significantly improved anatomical outcomes; however, visual function remained stable, having a comparable effect to other anti-VEGF agents in preservation of vision. These patients had poorly responsive chronic disease with limited potential for visual recovery. Switching to aflibercept with frequent monitoring may be a suitable option for patients who have developed treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Spooner
- Sydney Retina Clinic & Day Surgery; Sydney Institute of Vision Science, Sydney; Save Sight Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas Hong
- Sydney Retina Clinic & Day Surgery; Sydney Institute of Vision Science, Sydney
| | - Wijeyanthy Wijeyakumar
- Sydney Retina Clinic & Day Surgery; Sydney Institute of Vision Science, Sydney; Save Sight Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew A Chang
- Sydney Retina Clinic & Day Surgery; Sydney Institute of Vision Science, Sydney; Save Sight Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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Mineralocorticoid Antagonists as Adjuncts in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmol Ther 2016; 6:141-146. [PMID: 27900561 PMCID: PMC5449294 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-016-0075-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this project was to evaluate the role of MR antagonists as an adjunct in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who have chronic subretinal fluid. METHODS Inclusion criteria were patients with a diagnosis of neovascular AMD, who had completed at least six anti-VEGF injections, and had persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) on optical coherence tomography (OCT). Treatment with oral eplerenone was initiated and dose titrated according to protocol. RESULTS 23 patients were included in the study (mean age = 54.6, 52.2% female, 47.8% male). 13 of the 23 patients had predominantly chronic subretinal fluid without large PEDs. In this subgroup, mean initial central macular thickness (CMT) prior to starting oral eplerenone was 305.3 μm, and mean injection interval was 40.25 days. Mean final CMT after at least 3 months of adjunctive eplerenone treatment was 240.6 μm and mean injection interval with adjunctive treatment was 54.61 days. Mean extension of the injection interval after commencing oral eplerenone was 14.36 days. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest oral MR antagonists may have a role as an adjunctive treatment in neovascular AMD, and may be particularly useful in dehydration of the subretinal space in the setting of chronic subretinal fluid. Further research is needed in randomized controlled trials to elucidate the precise role of oral MR antagonists in neovascular AMD.
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Sidman RL, Li J, Lawrence M, Hu W, Musso GF, Giordano RJ, Cardó-Vila M, Pasqualini R, Arap W. The peptidomimetic Vasotide targets two retinal VEGF receptors and reduces pathological angiogenesis in murine and nonhuman primate models of retinal disease. Sci Transl Med 2016; 7:309ra165. [PMID: 26468327 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aac4882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Blood vessel growth from preexisting vessels (angiogenesis) underlies many severe diseases including major blinding retinal diseases such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and aged macular degeneration (AMD). This observation has driven development of antibody inhibitors that block a central factor in AMD, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), from binding to its receptors VEGFR-1 and mainly VEGFR-2. However, some patients are insensitive to current anti-VEGF drugs or develop resistance, and the required repeated intravitreal injection of these large molecules is costly and clinically problematic. We have evaluated a small cyclic retro-inverted peptidomimetic, D(Cys-Leu-Pro-Arg-Cys) [D(CLPRC)], and hereafter named Vasotide, that inhibits retinal angiogenesis by binding selectively to the VEGF receptors VEGFR-1 and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1). Delivery of Vasotide via either eye drops or intraperitoneal injection in a laser-induced monkey model of human wet AMD, a mouse genetic knockout model of the AMD subtype called retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP), and a mouse oxygen-induced model of ROP decreased retinal angiogenesis in all three animal models. This prototype drug candidate is a promising new dual receptor inhibitor of the VEGF ligand with potential for translation into safer, less-invasive applications to combat pathological angiogenesis in retinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Sidman
- Harvard Medical School and Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Jianxue Li
- Harvard Medical School and Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Matthew Lawrence
- RxGen Inc., Hamden, CT 06517, USA. St. Kitts Biomedical Research Foundation, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | - Wenzheng Hu
- RxGen Inc., Hamden, CT 06517, USA. St. Kitts Biomedical Research Foundation, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | | | - Ricardo J Giordano
- Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508, Brazil
| | - Marina Cardó-Vila
- University of New Mexico Cancer Center, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Renata Pasqualini
- University of New Mexico Cancer Center, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
| | - Wadih Arap
- University of New Mexico Cancer Center, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
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Yang S, Zhao J, Sun X. Resistance to anti-VEGF therapy in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a comprehensive review. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2016; 10:1857-67. [PMID: 27330279 PMCID: PMC4898027 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s97653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
As a progressive chronic disease, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision impairment worldwide. Experimental and clinical evidence has demonstrated that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a vital role in the formation of choroidal neovascularization. Intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents have been recommended as a first-line treatment for neovascular AMD. However, persistent fluid or recurrent exudation still occurs despite standardized anti-VEGF therapy. Patients suffering from refractory or recurrent neovascular AMD may develop mechanisms of resistance to anti-VEGF therapy, which results in a diminished therapeutic effect. Until now, there has been no consensus on the definitions of refractory neovascular AMD and recurrent neovascular AMD. This article aims at clarifying these concepts to evaluate the efficacy of switching drugs, which contributes to making clinical decision more scientifically. Furthermore, insight into the causes of resistance to anti-VEGF therapy would be helpful for developing possible therapeutic approaches, such as combination therapy and multi-target treatment that can overcome this resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingke Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; Eye Research Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Disease, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Lambert NG, Zhang X, Rai RR, Uehara H, Choi S, Carroll LS, Das SK, Cahoon JM, Kirk BH, Bentley BM, Ambati BK. Subretinal AAV2.COMP-Ang1 suppresses choroidal neovascularization and vascular endothelial growth factor in a murine model of age-related macular degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2016; 145:248-257. [PMID: 26775053 PMCID: PMC5862038 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
To assess whether Tie2-mediated vascular stabilization ameliorates neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), we investigated the impact of adeno-associated virus-mediated gene therapy with cartilage oligomeric matrix protein angiopoietin-1 (AAV2.COMP-Ang1) on choroidal neovascularization (CNV), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) in a mouse model of the disease. We treated mice with subretinal injections of AAV2.COMP-Ang1 or control (AAV2.AcGFP, AAV2.LacZ, and phosphate-buffered saline). Subretinal AAV2 localization and plasmid protein expression was verified in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid of mice treated with all AAV2 constructs. Laser-assisted simulation of neovascular AMD was performed and followed by quantification of HIF, VEGF, and CNV in each experimental group. We found that AAV2.COMP-Ang1 was associated with a significant reduction in VEGF levels (29-33%, p < 0.01) and CNV volume (60-70%, p < 0.01), without a concomitant decrease in HIF1-α, compared to all controls. We concluded that a) AAV2 is a viable vector for delivering COMP-Ang1 to subretinal tissues, b) subretinal COMP-Ang1 holds promise as a prospective treatment for neovascular AMD, and c) although VEGF suppression in the RPE/choroid may be one mechanism by which AAV2.COMP-Ang1 reduces CNV, this therapeutic effect may be hypoxia-independent. Taken together, these findings suggest that AAV2.COMP-Ang1 has potential to serve as an alternative or complementary option to anti-VEGF agents for the long-term amelioration of neovascular AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Ambati Lab, John A. Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ruju R Rai
- Ambati Lab, John A. Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Hironori Uehara
- Ambati Lab, John A. Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Susie Choi
- Ambati Lab, John A. Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lara S Carroll
- Ambati Lab, John A. Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Subrata K Das
- Ambati Lab, John A. Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Judd M Cahoon
- Ambati Lab, John A. Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Brian H Kirk
- Ambati Lab, John A. Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Balamurali K Ambati
- Ambati Lab, John A. Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Chang AA, Broadhead GK, Hong T, Joachim N, Syed A, Schlub TE, Toth L, Peto T, Zhu M. Intravitreal Aflibercept for Treatment-Resistant Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: 12-Month Safety and Efficacy Outcomes. Ophthalmic Res 2015; 55:84-90. [DOI: 10.1159/000440886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Biswal MR, Prentice HM, Dorey CK, Blanks JC. A hypoxia-responsive glial cell-specific gene therapy vector for targeting retinal neovascularization. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 55:8044-53. [PMID: 25377223 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-13932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Müller cells, the major glial cell in the retina, play a significant role in retinal neovascularization in response to tissue hypoxia. We previously designed and tested a vector using a hypoxia-responsive domain and a glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter to drive green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in Müller cells in the murine model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). This study compares the efficacy of regulated and unregulated Müller cell delivery of endostatin in preventing neovascularization in the OIR model. METHODS Endostatin cDNA was cloned into plasmids with hypoxia-regulated GFAP or unregulated GFAP promoters, and packaged into self-complementary adeno-associated virus serotype 2 vectors (scAAV2). Before placement in hyperoxia on postnatal day (P)7, mice were given intravitreal injections of regulated or unregulated scAAV2, capsid, or PBS. Five days after return to room air, on P17, neovascular and avascular areas, as well as expression of the transgene and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were compared in OIR animals treated with a vector, capsid, or PBS. RESULTS The hypoxia-regulated, glial-specific, vector-expressing endostatin reduced neovascularization by 93% and reduced the central vaso-obliteration area by 90%, matching the results with the unregulated GFAP-Endo vector. Retinas treated with the regulated endostatin vector expressed substantial amounts of endostatin protein, and significantly reduced VEGF protein. Endostatin production from the regulated vector was undetectable in retinas with undamaged vasculature. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the hypoxia-regulated, glial cell-specific vector expressing endostatin may be useful for treatment of neovascularization in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manas R Biswal
- Integrative Biology PhD Program, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States
| | - Howard M Prentice
- Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States
| | - C Kathleen Dorey
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, Virginia, United States
| | - Janet C Blanks
- Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States
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