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
Sector embraces government approval of standalone MIGS
From this month, surgeons can perform standalone minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) under Medicare, seeing Australia become the first major developed economy to universally approve the procedure in both public and private settings. Read more
Scientists modify commercial contact lens to correct colour blindness
Researchers have modified an off-the-shelf contact lens to correct a form of red–green colour blindness known as deuteranomaly, the most common type of colour vision deficiency. 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
No genetic link between myopia and glaucoma
Australian researchers have featured prominently in research efforts that have determined no genetic link between myopia and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Read more
New dry eye therapy now TGA-approved
Australian drug regulators have approved a new aqueous, immunosuppressant for the treatment of moderate-to-severe dry eye. 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
Anti-inflammatory eye drops added to PBS for Indigenous patients
Prednefrin Forte eye drops can now be prescribed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for certain cases of severe eye inflammation. Read more