Two of the most commonly used treatments for neovascular AMD, ranibizumab (Lucentis, Genentech), approved in 2006 by FDA, and the other commonly used ?off-label,? bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech), resulted in similar improvements in visual acuity, according to a new randomized controlled trial published in NEJM.
Generic drug approved by FDA (through May 2011): Latanoprost
Agents in late-stage development for the treatment of eye diseases.
Bromfenac ophthalmic solution (Bromday, ISTA Pharmaceuticals) 0.09% has been granted FDA approval as a once-daily prescription eyedrop for the treatment of postoperative inflammation and reduction of ocular pain in patients who have undergone cataract extraction.
In an on-line article published in the journal Ophthalmology, researchers reported a possible adverse association between certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and the development of cataracts in those aged >65.
In August 2003, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded a contract for prostaglandin ophthalmic agents with travoprost as the agent of choice. Although there was no national mandate to switch patients from existing therapy, many VA facilities had agreements from their local ophthalmology and optometry departments to conduct a therapeutic interchange of patients from existing prostaglandins (eg, latanoprost) to travoprost.
In the Blue Mountains Eye Study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, statin use was demonstrated to be protective against the development of cataracts, reducing a patient's risk by nearly half.
A new formulation for azithromycin, an antibacterial agent, is now approved by FDA for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.
This recombinant humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody fragment binds to the receptor-binding site of active forms of human vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A).
Twice-daily ophthalmic NSAID approved to reduce inflammation after cataract surgery
Fluoroquinolone approved for bacterial conjunctivitis
Broad-spectrum antibiotic available as ophthalmic solution
FDA approval of this prescription eye drop makes it the first and only prostaglandin with a first-line indication for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Initially, latanoprost was only approved for second-line use.
New formulation: Drug increases tear production in patients with chronic dry eye due to ocular inflammation
New Indication: Light-activated ophthalmic cleared for CNV due to two additional causes
