Risuteganib-a novel integrin inhibitor for the treatment of non-exudative (dry) age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema.

INTRODUCTION: Non-exudative (dry) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are leading causes of vision loss worldwide. Besides age-related eye disease study (AREDS) vitamin supplements, there are no efficacious pharmaceutical interventions for dry AMD available. While numerous pharmacologics are available to treat diabetic macular edema (DME), many patients respond suboptimally to existing therapies. Risuteganib is a novel anti-integrin peptide that targets the multiple integrin heterodimers involved in the pathophysiology of dry AMD and DME. Inhibiting these selected integrin heterodimers may benefit patients with these conditions. AREAS COVERED: This article offers a brief overview of current pharmaceuticals available for dry AMD and DME. The proposed role of integrins in AMD and DME is reviewed and later, risuteganib, a novel anti-integrin peptide is introduced. The data from initial Phase 1 and Phase 2 risuteganib clinical trials are discussed in the latter part of the paper. EXPERT OPINION: While there are currently limited treatment options for dry AMD, more data are needed before we can truly evaluate the benefits of adopting risuteganib into the clinic. Conversely, several effective treatment options exist for DME; hence, risuteganib must show that it can add to these results, especially in those with refractory disease, before retina specialists adopt risuteganib into their treatment regimens.

Antibiotics.

The Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study (EVS) provided ophthalmologists with evidence-based management strategies to deal with endophthalmitis for the first time. However, since the completion of the EVS, numerous unresolved issues remain. The use of oral antibiotics has important implications for the ophthalmologist, particularly in the prophylaxis and/or management of postoperative, posttraumatic, or bleb-associated bacterial endophthalmitis. One can reasonably conclude that significant intraocular penetration of an antibiotic after oral administration may be a property unique to the newer-generation fluoroquinolones. Prophylactic use of mupirocin nasal ointment resulted in significant reduction of conjunctival flora with or without preoperative topical 5% povidone-iodine preparation. Ocular fungal infections have traditionally been very difficult to treat due to limited therapeutic options both systemically and intravitreally. Because of its broad spectrum of coverage, low MIC90 levels for the organisms of concern, good tolerability, and excellent bioavailability, voriconazole through various routes of administration may be useful to the ophthalmologist in the primary treatment of or as an adjunct to the current management of ocular fungal infections.