Insights from Angiogenesis 2021: Advancing Retina Research for the IRD Community
The inherited retinal disease (IRD) community often looks to broader ophthalmology research for advancements that could one day impact their lives. While the Angiogenesis 2021 Virtual Symposium primarily focused on conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy, the discussions around emerging therapies, gene therapy, and clinical trials offer valuable insights and hope for those affected by IRDs. The annual meeting, hosted by the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, serves as a significant platform for retina specialists and researchers to share the latest developments in ocular disease.
The 18th annual Angiogenesis, Exudation, and Degeneration meeting took place virtually in February 2021, bringing together experts to discuss advancements in neovascular and exudative ocular diseases. This event highlighted new pharmacotherapies in development and those currently in use for managing conditions such as neovascular AMD, macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, and retinopathy of prematurity. The program also included a focus on the financial impact of these treatments on clinical practices and Medicare.
Key discussions at the symposium encompassed imaging, translational research, and clinical trials, with an emphasis on how these findings will influence clinical ophthalmology. Presenters delved into early-phase clinical trials and recently completed studies related to a wide array of retinal diseases. Notably, the agenda for February 13, 2021, featured sessions on gene therapy for exudative AMD and diabetic retinopathy, exploring subretinal, intravitreal, and suprachoroidal gene therapy approaches. Updates on dual inhibition of Ang2 and VEGF for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) and exudative AMD, specifically from the faricimab program, were also presented.
For patients and families navigating IRDs, these broader advancements in retinal research are crucial. While IRDs are distinct from conditions like AMD and diabetic retinopathy, the development of new drug delivery methods, improved imaging techniques, and especially progress in gene therapy for other retinal conditions, often pave the way for future applications in IRDs. The exploration of different gene therapy delivery routes, such as subretinal, intravitreal, and suprachoroidal injections, could lead to more effective and less invasive treatments for various genetic retinal conditions. The emphasis on early-phase clinical trials also underscores the continuous effort within the scientific community to identify and validate novel therapeutic strategies that could eventually benefit the IRD community.
Moving forward, the ongoing research and clinical trials discussed at events like Angiogenesis 2021 provide a foundation for future breakthroughs. The commitment to understanding and treating a wide range of retinal diseases, including the continued focus on gene therapy, suggests a promising trajectory for therapeutic development that could ultimately extend to inherited retinal degenerations.