Lions Eye Institute (LEI) researchers have entered the recruitment phase to test a new drug, called AG-86893, on patients with pterygium. Also known as ‘surfer’s eye’, pterygium affects 270,500 Australians.Pterygium is a fleshy growth on the surface of the eye caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors, including excessive exposure to sun, dust or wind. As it progresses, the condition can obscure the optical centre of the cornea, causing a visual impairment that requires surgery.The LEI Clinical Trials team, led by ophthalmologist Dr Jean-Louis deSousa, in Western Australia will test whether the newly-developed eye drops can reduce eye redness associated with the condition, and its potential to replace surgery as a treatment option.deSousa said Australia had one of the highest rates of pterygium in the world, affecting 1.1% of the population, and rising to 12% in men over the age of 60.“We will be testing the potential of a medication called AG-86893, which is a reformulation of an existing drug called nintedanib, to reduce eye redness associated with pterygium with short-term use as well as reducing new blood vessel growth and fibrosis that may contribute to the growth of pterygium with longer-term use,” he said.“We need Western Australians with pterygium to participate in this important trial.”The SURPH (StUdy of the Response to AG-86893 in patients with Pterygium Hyperia) Trial is recruiting participants in Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland until 31 May. More reading:World-first model of rare retinal disease developed in AustraliaResearchers find way to prevent fatal viral infection
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