Clinical Research Directory

Microcurrent Stimulation Therapy for Intermediate to Advanced Nonexudative Age-related Macular Degeneration

The goal of this clinical trial is to characterize the safety and effectiveness of the i-Lumen AMD transpalpebral microcurrent device and therapy in patients with intermediate to advanced nonexudative AMD. Participants will: * Undergo an initial loading regimen, followed by 7 maintenance over the course of 11 months. * Participants will return monthly through Month 14 (3 months post-last treatment) for evaluation and monitoring.

Long Term Efficacy of Faricimab Using a Treat and Extend Regimen for Type 3 Macular Neovascularization

Type 3 macular neovascularization (MNV) is a subtype of neovascular age-related macular degeneration accounting for 10-20% of cases, notable for high rates of bilateral involvement and risk of profound vision loss, particularly if undertreated. Early and proactive therapy is crucial to prevent progression and preserve vision. Faricimab offers potential advantages in this setting. Eyes with type 3 MNV often show thin choroid, reticular pseudodrusen, and high GA risk, reflecting compromised choroidal perfusion. While anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents suppress neovascularization, prolonged VEGF blockade may impair choriocapillaris health. Ang-2 inhibition, by promoting Tie2 activation and vascular stability, may protect choriocapillaris and reduce widespread retinal edema and hemorrhages observed in type 3 MNV. Finally, while treat-and-extend is widely used in practice, existing trials (TENAYA, LUCERNE) applied broader extension intervals than typically used clinically. In type 3 MNV, where undertreatment carries severe consequences, a more stringent faricimab-based treat-and-extend regimen with 2-week interval adjustments warrants investigation.

Switching to Aflibercept 8mg in Patients Showing Limited Response to Previous Treatment

The treatment landscape for neovascular AMD has evolved with various anti-VEGF agents since 2006. Ranibizumab initially led the way, but its limited efficacy in reducing retinal edema paved the way for aflibercept in 2011, which became globally popular for its effectiveness and safety. Yet, aflibercept did not fully meet all patients' needs. In 2019, brolucizumab showed promising anatomical results but had higher risks of inflammation, limiting its use. Faricimab, introduced in 2022, aimed for longer-lasting effects by targeting VEGF-A and angiopoietin 2. Though it required fewer injections, questions remain about its long-term efficacy compared to aflibercept. Despite recent advancements, no agent has established itself as the new standard since aflibercept's introduction, leaving significant unmet needs. Aflibercept 8mg, approved in 2023, has shown promise by matching long-term visual outcomes of aflibercept 2mg with fewer injections and comparable safety. This study examines the effects of switching to aflibercept 8mg for patients with a limited response to previous treatments, addressing the potential for aflibercept 8mg to meet current needs more effectively and providing timely data for its global rollout.

Prediction Model of Treatment Efficacy for Age-related Macular Degeneration Based on Multi-source Imaging Modalities

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the main causes of blindness in the elderly population. Intraocular injection of anti-VEGF drugs for neovascular AMD (nAMD) is the main treatment method at present. However, patients have different responses to anti-VEGF therapy, and some patients do not respond well to short - and long-term treatment. In this study, a retrospective study was adopted to collate and analyze the clinical data and imaging data of nAMD in the past, and to extract the imaging features from the multimodal modalities before and after treatment for deep learning, and to evaluate and quantify the clinical features, and to construct two multi-source feature models for predicting the short-term and long-term prognosis of nAMD patients. By verifying the accuracy of the model to predict the curative effect, the classification efficiency of the above characteristic models was compared, and the optimal model was selected. Its clinical application value was evaluated by calibration curve and decision curve. In addition, patients with poor treatment response in the study cohort were retrospectively analyzed, and the efficacy and safety of the combination of other treatment options in the actual clinic were analyzed. The purpose of this study is to provide scientific basis for early prediction, dynamic monitoring and optimization of overall treatment strategies for nAMD.