A new experimental injection, “Remigromig,” developed by US pharmaceutical company Merck for a disease that affects eyesight due to diabetes has shown promising results in clinical trials.
The major development has raised hopes for thousands of diabetes patients whose retinas suffer severe damage due to the disease.
According to Reuters, the company conducted a 52-week clinical trial of the experimental drug involving 984 patients. During the trial, the injection successfully achieved its targeted goal of improving vision.
Experts have described the new treatment as equally effective and superior compared with Roche’s already approved and established drug, ranibizumab.
How does the new injection work?
The experimental injection, called “Remigromig,” has been developed to activate the system responsible for cell growth and repair. Its primary purpose is to restore the protective layer of blood vessels in the retina and reduce fluid leakage inside the eye.
If the drug receives final approval, medical analysts say it could mark the beginning of a new and advanced era in the treatment of retinal vascular diseases.
Existing treatment
Diabetic macular edema is a common but dangerous complication of diabetes in which blood vessels in the retina are damaged due to high blood sugar, causing fluid to accumulate in the macula.
The macula is the sensitive part of the eye responsible for clear and sharp central vision. Swelling in this area can severely affect eyesight.
At present, anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy and steroid injections or implants are used to treat the condition. Ranibizumab is also one such drug that controls abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage.
Experts’ concerns and safety measures
Although the new drug has shown promising results, Evan Seigerman, an analyst at BMO Capital Markets, has stressed that its safety and more detailed data must be thoroughly reviewed before it is introduced commercially.
The company says patients generally tolerated the drug, but the rate of treatment discontinuation due to retinal complications was somewhat higher compared with the existing drug, ranibizumab. However, the company is conducting a more detailed analysis of the results.
Future goals and further research
Merck is currently also testing “Remigromig” for other conditions, including age-related retinal degeneration.
The company plans to present more detailed and updated research reports on the drug at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology next month.
Also Read: Major breakthrough; blood test spots Dementia risk 25 years earlier
