A biopharmaceutical company that is developing cheaper anti-VEGF treatments for major global markets, including Australia, has reported positive results from a Phase 3 clinical trial for its Lucentis biosimilar. Read more
Ita Buttrose fronts new eye injections TV campaign
Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) has launched a series of community service announcements featuring national icon Ms Ita Buttrose in response to a surge in intravitreal injection cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
Novartis provides safety update for Beovu
A safety review into Novartis’ new anti-VEGF drug Beovu has revealed that reported adverse events are consistent with the approved prescribing information after a group of US retinal specialists linked it to a series of vasculitis cases. Read more
Opthea progresses DME trials despite COVID-19 disruption
Results are imminent in biopharmaceutical company Opthea’s latest clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of its lead drug candidate with Eylea in diabetic macular edema (DME) patients. Read more
Novartis pursues PBS listing for Beovu
Novartis is working to ensure its newly-approved drug Beovu is accessible via the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) at the earliest opportunity after expressing disappointment over an initial decision not to recommend it for the government-subsidised medicines program. Read more
AI predicts treatment outcome for diabetic vision loss
A new approach that uses an algorithm to analyse retinal images could help practitioners select the best treatment for patients with vision loss from diabetic macular edema. Read more
Novartis AMD drug Beovu secures European approval
European drug regulators have followed in the footsteps of their Australian and US counterparts, following the approval of Novartis’ new anti-VEGF therapy. Read more
Ocular gene therapy begins on the NHS
The UK’s national health provider has started treating patients with Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) with a new sight-restoring gene therapy. Read more
Lions Outback establishes first ophthalmology clinic outside Perth metro region
A former backpacker accommodation is being transformed into a new eye health clinic in Broome, featuring three resident ophthalmologists available for 24-hour emergency support to service the north west of Western Australia. Read more
Patient receives first wireless retinal device implant
A surgeon at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) has implanted the first patient in the US with a new wireless retinal device. Read more