NEW YORK: An experimental drug developed by Merck has achieved a key clinical trial goal in patients suffering from diabetic macular edema, a diabetes-related eye condition that can affect central vision.
According to the report, Merck said its experimental injection remigromig met the required non-inferiority standard against Roche’s ranibizumab in a 52-week clinical trial involving 984 patients with diabetic macular edema.
The trial evaluated changes in visual acuity, with remigromig showing results that met the study’s predefined standard compared with ranibizumab.
How Does Remigromig Work?
Remigromig is an experimental injectable treatment designed to activate the Wnt pathway, which is involved in cellular growth and repair.
The approach is intended to help restore the protective barrier of blood vessels in the retina and reduce fluid leakage from damaged vessels.
Diabetic macular edema develops when diabetes damages retinal blood vessels, allowing fluid to accumulate in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. The resulting swelling can cause blurred or reduced vision.
Safety Remains an Area of Focus
Merck said remigromig was generally tolerated by patients in the trial. However, the proportion of patients who discontinued treatment because of certain retinal vascular complications was higher than among those receiving ranibizumab.
The company said it is continuing to analyse the trial results.
Analysts cited in the report said the full trial data and additional supporting evidence will be important in assessing the drug’s potential. Safety will also remain a key consideration as researchers examine the differences observed in the trial.
Current Treatments for Diabetic Macular Edema
Diabetic macular edema is a complication of diabetes in which fluid leaks from damaged retinal blood vessels and accumulates in the macula.
Existing treatments include anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy and steroid injections or implants. Ranibizumab is an anti-VEGF treatment that helps regulate the activity involved in the growth and development of blood vessels.
According to the information cited in the report, around 5.5% of people with diabetes worldwide are affected by diabetic macular edema.
Merck is also studying remigromig for other retinal conditions, including neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD).
The company is expected to present the trial findings at the upcoming annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.