Australian researchers are using genetic testing to identify as many people as possible with inherited retinal disease (IRD), in preparation for an influx of life-changing gene and stem cell therapies expected over the next decade. Read more
TGA approves first pharma option for proliferative diabetic retinopathy
For 40 years laser therapy has been the standard treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), but now Australian ophthalmologists have a new option following regulatory approval of an existing drug. Read more
AI-driven headset that detects AMD set for Australian debut
A US company that has incorporated dark adaptometry into a new wearable headset for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is on the cusp of introducing the AI-guided technology to the Australian ophthalmic market. Read more
TGA approves Luxturna gene therapy
In a historical development for the eye health sector, the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the country’s first true gene therapy, indicated for a rare form of inherited retinal disease (IRD). Read more
Eylea biosimilar embarks on Phase 3 trial
A biopharmaceutical company that is developing cheaper anti-VEGF treatments for Australia and other markets has launched a global clinical trial for a biosimilar version of leading treatment Eylea (aflibercept). Read more
Opthea becomes ASX top 300 company
Melbourne biopharmaceutical company Opthea has announced its inclusion on the ASX 300, just days after its lead drug candidate met primary end points in the latest clinical trial for diabetic macular edema (DME). Read more
Drug developer hits major milestone with Lucentis biosimilar
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