Real world data for new AMD therapy

Oraya Therapeutics has announced the results from a study which show its x-ray therapy to be an effective treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Ophthalmologists presented 12-month data from a study at the annual meeting of the European Society for Retina Specialists (EURETINA) in France earlier this month (17–20 September), showed the therapy to be effective in maintaining vision and reduce the number of anti-VEGF injections required.

The study looked at the effect of adding Oraya therapy to as needed anti-VEGF injections in patients with wet AMD. Patients were identified as ‘best responders’ from the previous multicentre INTREPID study. Results indicated up to a 74% decrease in the number of injections required for patients to maintain their vision and a reduction in macular oedema, characterised by a decrease in central macular thickness.

The therapy, which involves delivering targeted, low-energy x-rays to the patient’s eye, has been used for treating newly diagnosed patients with the condition in the north of England during their initial anti-VEGF treatment.

Christopher Brand, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, said: “Our Oraya patients were able to achieve clinical trial-level vision gains, maintained through month 12, while receiving fewer injections than the historical control group.”

Patients who didn’t receive the x-ray therapy reportedly did not experience visual gains over the same period. Mr Brand added: “This looks like a real positive for the patient and our service.”