News

Fort Lauderdale, FL-Supplemental inspired oxygen may decrease macular thickening due to diabetic macular edema (DME), according to the results of a pilot study presented by Quan Dong Nguyen, MD, MSc, at the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

Washington, DC-Pulsed treatment with the 532-nm, diode-pumped, frequency doubled, solid-state green laser (OcuLight GLx, Iridex) appears to be a safe and effective method for closing the retinal arteriolar connections that feed early stage lesions of retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP), said Robert P. Murphy, MD.

Iowa City, IA-The development of gene-directed therapy for common genetic ocular diseases that will be deployable on a population scale rests on coordinated research involving a series of steps. However, judging from progress made so far, such modalities might become clinically available soon, said Edwin M. Stone, MD, PhD.

Miami-Treatment with small interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is showing promise as a new therapy for choroidal neovascularization (CNV), according to Michael J. Tolentino, MD, who spoke at Angiogenesis 2004.

Fort Lauderdale, FL-A series of studies is evaluating the angiostatic cortisene compound anecortave acetate (Retaane, Alcon Laboratories) as both a prophylactic and therapeutic intervention for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), said Jason S. Slakter, MD, at the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

The FDA has approved Merck Human Health's dorzolomide HCI (Trusopt) ophthalmic solution 2% for use in pediatric patients. The drug is used to treat elevated IOP in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma.

The FDA has accepted for filing and granted expedited review status to the Miravant Medical Technologies' premarket application for the IRIS Medical OcuLight 664 ophthalmic photodynamic therapy (PDT) laser used to activate drug SnET2, a proposed drug and light treatment for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Washington, DC-Age-related vision loss should be regarded as a major public health problem, leading to lost independence and quality of life, according to Janine Smith, MD, deputy clinical director for the National Eye Institute (NEI).

Santa Ana, CA-Advanced Medical Optics Inc. (AMO) has forged a 1-year research and evaluation licensing agreement with Quest Vision Technologies Inc. to develop accommodating IOL designs. Under the agreement, which was announced May 3, AMO will own a minority interest in Quest Vision, with an option to buy the company after 1 year.

Erlangen, Germany-WaveLight Laser Technologie AG has created a new subsidiary in Spain to develop that market through the former Tetramedic SA, in which WaveLight has become a majority shareholder. The company, which will operate under the WaveLight SA name, will be managed by Eckhard Rohr, a founding member of Tetramedic.

San Luis Obispo, CA-Santen Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. has halted development of its phacoemulsification systems and closed Phacor Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary.

Washington, DC-Four manufacturers of ocular products have received FDA approval to market ofloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.3%, a generic version of Allergan Inc.'s Ocuflox, for the treatment of certain strains of bacteria in conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers.

Washington, DC-New technology that advances cataract surgery is critical to boosting the quality of life of America's senior citizens, representatives of the ophthalmic industry told congressional leaders.