ASRS 2026: Vorolanib intravitreal insert delays supplemental injections in DME

A single bioerodible vorolanib intravitreal insert (EYP-1901; EyePoint Pharmaceuticals) delayed the need for supplemental anti-VEGF injections in previously treated patients with diabetic macular edema (DME), phase 2 VERONA (NCT06099184) data show. Yasha Modi, MD, presented the 24-week results at the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) 44th Annual Scientific Meeting, held July 15-18, 2026, in Montréal, Québec, Canada. Modi, of Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital, Northwell Health, discussed the findings with Modern Retina.

How does vorolanib differ from anti-VEGF therapy in DME?

Vorolanib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that provides pan-VEGF receptor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor inhibition for at least 6 months, and also inhibits Janus kinase 1, suppressing pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 signaling implicated in DME pathogenesis.

"I think it's really important to realize that this is not a long-acting anti-VEGF," Modi told Modern Retina. "We're starting to realize that vorolanib also has activity against IL-6. So this has the possibility of providing a completely new mechanism of action."

What did VERONA show at 24 weeks?

VERONA randomized 27 patients with previously treated DME to a single injection of vorolanib insert 2.7 mg (n=11), 1.3 mg (n=10), or sham (n=6) following aflibercept 2.0 mg, with monthly assessment for supplemental anti-VEGF treatment per prespecified BCVA and OCT criteria. The trial met its primary end point, with both doses extending time to first supplemental injection versus aflibercept. Through week 24, 73% of eyes in the 2.7-mg arm (8/11) remained supplement-free, compared with 60% (6/10) in the 1.3-mg arm and 50% (3/6) with aflibercept.¹

Mean BCVA change from baseline was +7.1, +6.9, and +7.3 letters, respectively, and mean central subfield thickness change was −75.9 µm, −71.1 µm, and −43.7 µm. Greater reductions in mean macular leakage area (−3.1 and −2.0 vs −0.7 mm²) and mean total macular volume (−0.60 and −0.37 vs −0.16 mm³) were observed with both insert doses. Investigators reported no EYP-1901-related safety signals through week 24.¹

What surprised investigators in the first month?

"I would have expected the visual acuity to kind of be better right out of the gate with the aflibercept," Modi said. "But here we're seeing the exact opposite, which is a zero-order kinetics drug with a different mechanism of action having a much better visual acuity response." Modi cautioned that durability was not universal: approximately one-third of patients in the 2.7-mg arm still required supplemental injections.

What comes next?

Two pivotal phase 3 trials, COMO (NCT07449936) and CAPRI (NCT07449923), will each enroll approximately 240 patients and evaluate vorolanib insert 2.7 mg redosed every 6 months against on-label aflibercept 2 mg. The primary end point is the difference in mean BCVA change from day 1 to weeks 52 and 56, averaged.

Reference
1. Modi Y, Ribeiro R. Bioerodible EYP-1901 (vorolanib intravitreal insert) for diabetic macular edema: from the phase 2 VERONA trial to pivotal phase 3 program. Presented at: American Society of Retina Specialists 44th Annual Scientific Meeting; July 15-18, 2026; Montréal, Québec, Canada. Session POD 3: Diabetic Retinopathy.