The Australian government spent more than $610 million on anti-VEGF treatments during the past year, with aflibercept (Eylea) leapfrogging a hepatitis C drug to become the costliest subsidised drug for the first time. Read more
Australia trial commences for ‘game-changer’ retinal disease eye drop
A clinical trial is under way in Australia for a novel eye drop treatment for retinal vascular diseases that could replace the current approach involving serial intravitreal injections into the back of the eye. Read more
Aussie IRD study taps into gene therapy perceptions
Researchers from the Centre for Eye Research Australia and University of Melbourne have developed a world-first survey to gather the views of Australians with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) on potential gene therapies. Read more
Low carb diet an antidote to type 2 diabetes?
An Australian researcher has contributed to a new study demonstrating that lower carbohydrate consumption can potentially put type 2 diabetes into remission. Read more
Roche’s faricimab meets primary endpoint in DME trial
Swiss drug giant Roche is poised to pursue regulatory clearance for its new faricimab antibody for diabetic macular edema (DME) after it produced a similar effect to Eylea in twin clinical trials, but with half the dosing regimen in several patients. Read more
MBS Taskforce keeps controversial eye injection proposals in final report
Despite vehement opposition from ophthalmologists, the MBS Taskforce has forged ahead with plans to cut the rebate for intravitreal injections and consider allowing nurses and optometrists to perform the procedure in its final report to the Federal Government. Read more
Clinical trial results reinforce potential new treatment for DME
Novartis has announced positive findings from its the Phase 3 trial assessing the efficacy and safety of Beovu (brolucizumab) to treat diabetic macular edema (DME). Read more
Charity donates $160K for inherited retinal disease research
Retina Australia has awarded a total of $160,000 in study grants to some of the biggest names in Australian retinal research. Read more
RANZCO updates AMD referral pathway for optometrists
Professor Robyn Guymer has led an expert panel to update RANZCO’s Referral Pathway for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Management, which accounts for greater accessibility to retinal imaging equipment and reminds clinicians to be aware of nearby clinical trials. Read more
Tax credit strengthens Opthea’s balance sheet; follows AU$175m IPO on US exchange
Melbourne biopharmaceutical company Opthea has received an $8.5 million research and development (R&D) tax credit from the Australian tax authority ahead of pivotal Phase 3 trials of its lead drug candidate. Read more