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Novel Treatments for Diabetic Macular Edema and Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

  • Microvascular Complications—Retinopathy (R Channa, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a common cause of vision loss, is projected to increase worldwide, and is associated with significant morbidity. The current standard-of-care treatments can preserve and significantly improve vision in many patients affected by DR. However, challenges such as heavy treatment burden and refractory disease remain. The purpose of this review is to highlight and discuss investigative agents in development for the treatment of DR.

Recent Findings

There are several novel agents with unique mechanisms that may offer greater durability and efficacy compared to existing drugs. Some target new pathways, others leverage a slow-release delivery system, and some modify gene expression through a single-dose treatment.

Summary

While unfavorable adverse events, such as intraocular inflammation, have been observed with longer-durability agents, many investigational products show excellent efficacy and safety profiles. The outcomes of ongoing and future trials may revolutionize the current treatment paradigm for DR.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: •• Of major importance

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Correspondence to Christina Y. Weng.

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NTL: none; ZAK: none; WVL: none; AMK: Adverum, Aerpio, Alcon, Allergan, Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center, Genentech, Inc., Iveric Bio, Kato Pharmaceuticals, Kodiak Sciences Inc., Novartis, Gemini Therapeutics, Graybug, Gyroscope, Opthea, Oxurion, PolyPhotonix, Recens Medical, Regenxbio (consultant); Adverum, Alkahest, Allergan, Allegro, Gemini Therapeutics, Genentech, Inc., Gyroscope, Iveric Bio, NGM pharmaceuticals, Kodiak Sciences Inc., Novartis, Opthea, Ophthotech, Oxurion, Regenxbio, Recens Medical (research support); Allergan, Genentech and Novartis (speaker); CYW: Alcon, Allergan/AbbVie, Alimera Sciences, Novartis, Genentech, Regeneron, REGENXBIO, Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center (consultant).

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Le, N.T., Kroeger, Z.A., Lin, W.V. et al. Novel Treatments for Diabetic Macular Edema and Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. Curr Diab Rep 21, 43 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-021-01412-5

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