Clinical Research Directory

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.

Exploring the Interaction Between Metabolic Disorders and NLPR3 Inflammasome Activation in DR Inflammatory Damage

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most serious microvascular complications of diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes is the key to prevent visual impairment in DR patients. This study aims to use a non-targeted metabolomics detection technique combined with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry to analyze the metabolomics profile in aqueous humor sample of DR patents, and further explore the mechanism of the relationship between differential metabolites and their metabolic pathways with NLRP3 activation in DR inflammatory damage. DR patients with macular edema will receive anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment; these patients will be divided into two groups: responders group and non-responders group.