Angiogenesis 2022: Study results reveal novel options for geographic atrophy, diabetic eye disease

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

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

AMD

Wet AMD

Choriocapillaris, atrophy linked with neovascular AMD

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

PDS maintains visual, anatomic benefits over long term in Portal extension trial

Most patients (95%) with the PDS implanted did not need supplemental treatment before the refills, indicating the persistence and durability of the treatment.

Positive results from DAVIO trial investigating EYP-1901 for wet AMD

Previously treated patients showed significantly reduced treatment burden.

Connexin-43 blockers show promise for treatment of diabetic retinopathy, AMD

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

Dry AMD & Geographic Atrophy

FOCUS clinical trial: CFI supplementing gene therapy in geographic atrophy

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

Subretinal implant found to be safe, well-tolerated in patients with advanced dry AMD

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

Growth of GA lesions slowed by avacincaptad pegol in clinical trial

Glenn J. Jaffe, MD, noted that the analysis showed, for the first time, a decreased growth rate in the central foveal area by a therapeutic intervention when compared to sham treatment.

Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic Retinopathy

Detecting diabetic retinopathy with deep learning and ultra-widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscope images

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

Initiation of inflammatory cascade inhibited by once-daily oral dose of Xiflam

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

Diabetic Macular Edema

High dose of THR-149 delivers BCVA increase, stable CST in KALAHARI study

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

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

After 2 years, the improvements in vision and anatomy were sustained with extended dosing out to every 16 weeks in a high percentage of patients.

100-week results of KESTREL, KITE push brolucizumab toward FDA approval

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

KALAHARI study finds THR-149 to be safe, well-tolerated as treatment for DME

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

Inherited Retinal Disease

Stargardt research explores RNA, gene therapy options

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

RNA therapy may halt the progression of Stargardt disease

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