New Retinopathy Treatment

New Retinopathy Treatment

NEW RETINOPATHY TREATMENT

One of the complications that can result from

diabetes is proliferative diabetic retinopathy, a condition in which fragile retinal

capillaries break and leak blood into the eye, obscuring vision. In extreme cases, a

surgical procedure called a vitrectomy can be necessary to get the blood out—and the

vitrectomy itself may fail. While good diabetes control is the best prevention for

conditions like retinopathy, there may soon be an alternative to vitrectomy surgery for

repairing its consequences.

Advanced Corneal Systems, Inc., a

California-based pharmaceutical research company, has been granted "fast-track"

status for its new investigational medication Vitrase, a drug designed to help clear the

eyes of leaked blood. The drug is currently in Phase II trials, and the company expects to

commence Phase III clinicals by January of 1999.

Vitrase does not deal with the root cause of

diabetic retinopathy: sustained high blood sugars. It does not "seal" leaking

capillaries, nor does it reverse long-term damage. What it does is chemically encourage

the "clearing" of a blood-filled eyeball. Administered by ocular injection,

Vitrase can take up to one month to work. The company claims a 60% success rate in severe

cases, and notes these are folks who would have needed surgery.

Advanced Corneal Systems is currently recruiting

diabetics with proliferative retinopathy and vitreous hemorrhage, to participate in the

Phase III study. They are seeking about 800 volunteers, to participate for one year (the

study should be completed and delivered in three to five years). If you would like to

participate, discuss the implications with your retinal specialist, then contact: Advanced

Corneal Systems, 15279 Alton Parkway, #100, Irvine, CA 92618; telephone: (949) 788-6000.