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Diabetes Drugs and Retinopathy: So Far, It's All About Lowering A1C Level
In this second of a four-part video series, ADA Chief Science and Medical Officer Robert Gabbay, MD, PhD, FACP, says data showing kidney benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors may indicate protection against retinopathy but research is needed.
Recent study results have shown that the SGLT2 inhibitors seem to have protective effects against cardiovascular disease and particularly against heart failure, above and beyond their effects on blood glucose levels.
But so far, no class of diabetes drugs stands out as having a protective effect against the retinopathy associated with diabetes, according to Robert Gabbay, M.D., Ph.D., FACP, chief scientific and medical officer for the American Diabetes Association.
Related: Diabetes Can Lead to Leaky Retinal Blood Vessels, Sudden Blindness
Some early data suggest that there might be some difference among the different classes of diabetes, but “we really don’t know for sure,” Gabbay said in a video interview with Managed Healthcare Executive® this week.
“What we do know, though, is that, in essence, any medication that is going to help lower A1C and get better glucose control lowers the risk of retinopathy,” he said.
Still, Gabbay noted there is some evidence of the SGLT2 inhibitors having some protective effect against kidney disease and that “in some ways, the pathophysiology of renal disease is somewhat analogous to eye disease.”
“They are both diseases of leaky blood vessels,” he noted.
Gabbay added there was old dictum that patients with diabetes who had advanced kidney disease almost certainly had some retinopathy and if they didn’t then the kidney disease was unrelated to their diabetes.
Independent Assessment of Syfovre Needed, Argues JAMA Ophthalmologist Viewpoint
December 7th 2023A California retinal specialist argues in a JAMA Ophthalmology viewpoint article that an independent panel of retinal specialists and statisticians should assess the data from clinical trials of Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) because of the lack of a complete FDA scientific analysis of the drug and of peer-reviewed publication.
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Briana Contreras, editor of Managed Healthcare Executive, spoke with Nancy Lurker, CEO and president of EyePoint Pharmaceuticals. Nancy shared a bit about EyePoint and how the organization’s innovative therapies are addressing patient needs through eye care, and most importantly, she addressed C-Suite positions like the CEO role. Nancy shared advice for those seeking to reach the CEO level, especially toward women in healthcare and other roles, and what it takes to run a biopharma company.
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Positive Long-term Results Seen with Vabysmo in Retinal Vein Occlusion
October 10th 2023The FDA is currently reviewing a supplemental biologics license application for Vabysmo in patients with macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion. A decision from the FDA is expected in late 2023.
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The authors of a case series reported in today's edition of JAMA Ophthalmology say silicone oil droplets from silicone used to lubricate the McKesson syringes is the most likely cause of the droplets presumed to cause the floaters. Of the 55 patients treated with Syfovre, 16 developed floaters.
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