Retina

Genetic Link in AMD

A study reported in the March issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology shows an increased risk of AMD for siblings and offspring of AMD patients. It is important for those who have AMD to share this information with their first degree relatives so they may seek early diagnosis and treatment.

 

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Embryonic Stem Cell Report

A preliminary report on a prospective clinical study of subretinal transplantation of human embryonic stem cells for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) finds a slight improvement in vision (21 letters to 28) during the first 4 months. There were no signs of adverse events or rejection. A future goal is to treat patients earlier in the disease process.

 

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Eylea (VEGF Trap-eye) Approved by FDA

Eylea (VEGF Trap-eye) has been approved by the FDA.  The drug achieves the same results as Lucentis but after a monthly injection for three months it is then injected every two months.  Pricewise it is similar to Lucentis.  The potential of achieving the same efficacy with less frequent injections and monitoring offers a cost savings to consumers as well as a time saving benefit.

 

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Diet and AMD

A study report from the nutrition research center at Tufts University reveals a delay in development of AMD-like lesions as the result of a lower glycemic index (GI) diet.  The mice on the lower GI diet had less accumulations of debris in the retina.

Low GI foods are whole grain bread, fruits and vegetables.  High GI foods are white bread and white potatoes.  The lower GI foods initiate a slower release of glucose that is more easily processed by cells.

This study “suggests that diet alone is enough to accelerate or delay the formation of lesions.”

Aspirin and AMD

Dutch researchers, led by Dr. Paulus de Jong, conducted a study to see if aspirin exacerbates macular degeneration. Of the 839 people who took aspirin daily, approximately four out of every 100 had wet AMD. In comparison, about two out of every 100 people who took aspirin less frequently had the same type of AMD. Aspirin was not tied to the dry form.

Since aspirin is taken to prevent heart disease that condition might influence the results. For people with heart disease, the benefits of the drug outweigh the risk.

 

Medicare To Cover Intraocular Telescope

Effective October 1, 2011, outpatient facilities can obtain reimbursement for the intraocular telescopic implant for covered procedures. Medicare has granted transitional pass-through payment status and established a billing code for the device. FDA has approved it for patients with end-stage age-related macular degeneration, central vision blindness, failure to respond to AMD medications, or in patients that have a form of the disease for which no treatment is available.

 

VEGF Trap-Eye Delayed By FDA

The FDA delayed its approval of the VEGF Trap-Eye drug Eylea, despite its advisory panel’s recommendations, and extended the target date for completion of its review of the medicine to November 18th. There were questions on the company’s application regarding chemistry, manufacturing, controls and sales.

The drug, Eylea, manufactured by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, would compete with Roche’s Lucentis. It only has to be injected every eight weeks, half as often as Lucentis.

AMD Risk Tied To Cholesterol

Researchers at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences found increased debris and drusen in the retinas of rabbits that were fed a cholesterol enriched diet. Their preliminary results suggest an increased risk of AMD with a high intake of cholesterol and saturated fat.

 

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VEGF Trap-Eye

VEGF Trap-Eye received unanimous recommendation from an FDA drugs advisory committee for approval. The drug, now called EYLEA, is due for final FDA decision on August 20, 2011.

The advantage of this fusion protein (aflibercept) is that it will be administered every two months, after the initial three monthly doses. The present VEGF blocking drugs usually require ongoing monthly injections. A generally favorable safety profile was observed in the two Phase 3 trials of the drug.

 

AMD And Diet- What Twins Reveal

Why do twins have different stages of macular degeneration?, inquired Johanna M. Seddon MD, ophthalmologist and lead researcher of a study at Tufts Medical Center.

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