On January 1, 2013, JDRF had an extra reason to celebrate the New Year when the United States Congress passed a one-year renewal of the Special Diabetes Program (SDP). Thanks to JDRF advocates, volunteers, and staff, the National Institutes of Health will receive an additional $150 million specifically for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. The [...]
Developing effective treatments for diabetic retinopathy is a key part of JDRF’s research goals. Until recently, the only treatment for diabetic macular edema was with lasers that often halted the worsening of the condition but did not improve a person’s eyesight. Now, however, a promising new treatment has emerged in the form of a drug called Lucentis (known generically as ranibizumab).
Previous research identified high levels of the enzyme plasma kallikrein in patients with diabetic macular edema, a condition that can cause impaired vision or blindness. JDRF-funded studies by KalVista Pharmaceuticals aim to identify new therapies that will reduce levels of plasma kallikrein and preserve the eyesight of people with T1D.
Genentech, Inc., a member of the Roche Group, announced that its second Phase III study known as RISE, which is evaluating the drug Lucentis in patients with diabetic macular edema, met its primary clinical endpoint. Results showed that after 24 months, a significantly higher percentage of patients receiving monthly injections of Lucentis experienced improved vision [...]
A groundbreaking study has identified the first new treatment for people with diabetic eye disease in the last 25 years. The results show it not only stops the progress of eye disease, but improves vision – a huge improvement over any other treatment now available. The study, a Phase II clinical trial, showed that the [...]
The two-year study compared Lucentis plus laser therapy to laser therapy alone for people with diabetic macular edema (DME), a major complication of diabetes that can result in vision loss. Half of the people treated with the Lucentis therapy showed improvement in their vision – results that were about twice as good as laser treatment alone.
Early clinical trial data show that a topical drug called mecamylamine is safe to use and can slow the progress of a severe form of eye disease in people with type 1 diabetes. Because this potential treatment can be self-administered, it may also ease the burdens of healthcare costs and compliance.
Certain drugs currently used to treat high blood pressure appear to significantly slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
