Lexington, KY-Animal studies point to two components of drusen as the driving force for the neovascularization that causes age-related macular degeneration (AMD) -a discovery that opens the way to early detection and drug therapy to prevent the condition, said Jayakrishna Ambati, MD.
Waltham, MA-OxiGENE Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies to treat eye diseases and cancer, is now focusing its ophthalmology strategy on oral or other non-intravitreal forms of administration of Combretastatin A4 Phosphate (CA4P) for age-related macular degeneration.
Boston-Global bio-nanotech company pSivida Ltd. has begun a phase II clinical trial of the steroid receptor antagonist mifepristone (RU486) as an eye-drop treatment for steroid-associated elevated IOP. The investigator-sponsored trial is expected to involve up to 45 patients in the United States.
Santa Clara, CA-OptiMedica Corp. has received ISO 13485 certification, and the Pascal photocoagulator has received CE Mark approval and is now available for sale internationally.
Below is a partial list of the contributions made by researchers at the Jules Stein Eye Institute and the University of California, Los Angeles, over the past 40 years.
Los Angeles-As the Jules Stein Eye Institute (JSEI) celebrates 40 years of contributions to research, education, and patient care this month, construction is approaching for a major new building that will help carry the institution into future decades.
Exhibit Hall Highlights
Bayer Healthcare and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. have agreed to collaborate on the development of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) Trap through a global plan that encompasses the neovascular form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic eye diseases, and other eye diseases and disorders. The companies jointly will commercialize the VEGF Trap-Eye outside the United States and will share equally in profits from ex-U.S. sales. Within the United States, Regeneron has exclusive commercialization rights in all indications and will retain 100% of profits from any such sales.
eyeonics, manufacturer of crystalens, placed 45th in technology for Deloitte’s prestigious Technology Fast 500. The list ranks the top technology, media, telecommunications, and life sciences companies in North America, based on the percentage revenue growth from 2001 to 2005. The company experienced 5,596% revenue growth during that time.
VISX University
The FDA approved the over-the-counter use of ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution 0.025% (Zaditor) for the temporary prevention of itchy eyes due to allergic conjunctivitis. The drops treat eye itch associated with pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair, and dander without the potentially negative effects of a decongestant.
Miami-Although post-LASIK diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) typically develops in the early postoperative period, it is important to be aware that late-onset DLK can occur, said William B. Trattler, MD.
The problem of tissue drag, which once plagued ophthalmic surgeons, is largely a thing of the past?thanks to groundbreaking work conducted several decades ago by Leonard Apt, MD, currently professor of ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Online information
ISTA Pharmaceuticals acquired from Senju Pharmaceuticals an exclusive North American license to an eye-drop formulation containing bepotastine, an investigational ophthalmic treatment for allergic conjunctivitis. This is ISTA Pharmaceuticals' first license for the ophthalmic allergy field.
Ophthalmic Imaging Systems (OIS) will serve as the exclusive vendor to the International Vision Networks (IVN), the only specialty group purchasing program for ophthalmologist offices and ambulatory surgery centers, for new digital imaging system units used in the ophthalmic setting. Systems include ophthalmic PACS, fundus cameras, and slit lamps.
The 2006 Joint Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology in Las Vegas will feature two acclaimed physicians at the opening session on Sunday, Nov. 12 from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
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The National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health has awarded a 5-year, $14.6 million grant to fund a study of age-related macular degeneration.
Theatre schedule
Stephen D. McLeod, MD, is the new chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).
Editor's Note: In a recent column we covered lumps and bumps on the surface of the iris and some of the men associated with their descriptions (Ophthalmology Times, June 15, 2006). Now we turn our attention to some lumps and bumps discovered on the conjunctiva, the surface of the globe, and the lids; their pathology; and those individuals who are credited with the findings.
