Purpose: To synthesize existing evidence on adverse events, complications, and unfavorable outcomes of current treatment modalities for treatment-requiring retinopathy of prematurity (TR-ROP). Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, EMBASE, Trip Database, and the gray literature available were searched. Randomized Clinical Trials and observational studies comparing the adverse events of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (bevacizumab, ranibizumab, aflibercept, pegaptanib, conbercept) and laser photocoagulation (LPC) as treatment modalities for infants with TR-ROP were included. The main outcomes compared between the two treatment modalities were: 1. Refractive Errors and Biometry Parameters, 2. Adverse events, complications, and unfavorable outcomes, 3. Disease Recurrence/Disease Regression/Need for retreatment, 4. Neurodevelopmental Outcomes. Results: Higher quality studies concluded that LPC leads to greater rates of myopia than intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment while the rate of adverse events and of unfavorable neurodevelopmental outcomes is similar. However, there was controversy among the included studies concerning the rate of ROP recurrence between intravitreal anti-VEGF injections and LPC. Conclusion: There is need for future primary studies assessing the adverse events of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections compared with LPC as treatment modalities for infants with TR-ROP.
1 April 2025 in Drug Design, Development and Therapy
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions characterised by optic nerve damage and visual field loss, representing the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Glaucoma exerts substantial global impact on visual impairment and blindness. The management of glaucoma has traditionally relied on medications such as prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers, alpha agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, which aim to lower intraocular pressure through various mechanisms. Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors have recently emerged as a novel class of antiglaucoma drugs, offering an alternative approach by enhancing aqueous humour outflow through the conventional pathway. Recent clinical studies assessing the efficacy and safety of Ripasudil (K-115) and Netarsudil (AR-13324) have demonstrated promising outcomes in the treatment of various types of glaucoma. Comparative studies have shown that ROCK inhibitors are non-inferior to traditional antiglaucomatous medications, such as beta-blockers and prostaglandins. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests their neuroprotective properties, which may play a role in preserving retinal ganglion cells. Furthermore, positive outcomes have been observed when these agents are used in conjunction with glaucoma filtering surgery, potentially enhancing surgical success rates. Adverse effects, including conjunctival hyperemia, cornea verticillata, conjunctivitis, and blepharitis, have been reported following the use of ROCK inhibitors. However, those side effects appear to be subtle in most cases. This review aims to provide an overview of ROCK inhibitors, focusing on their mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, safety profiles, and additional benefits for eye health. Furthermore, further potential applications of ROCK inhibitors in glaucoma management are going to be discussed.
1 January 2025 in Drug Design, Development and Therapy
The bimatoprost intracameral implant (Durysta®) offers a sustained-release approach to glaucoma management, providing consistent intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction over several months and reducing the need for daily topical therapies. This review evaluates its pharmacology, efficacy, and safety, using data from pivotal clinical trials and recent real-world studies. The implant achieves IOP reductions comparable to topical prostaglandin analogs, with benefits for patient adherence and fewer common side effects. However, repeat administrations are associated with adverse effects such as endothelial cell loss, highlighting the need for optimized re-dosing schedules. Future research should explore its use in advanced glaucomas, cost-effectiveness, and combination with other IOP-lowering treatments. The bimatoprost intracameral implant represents a promising innovation in glaucoma therapy with potential for improved patient outcomes.