Managing glaucoma can be a challenging journey, especially with the reliance on daily eye drops. A new treatment option from a company named PolyActiva aims to make life easier for glaucoma patients.
The PolyActiva CEO, Vanessa Waddell says “glaucoma treatments today rely heavily on patient-administered eye drops, but adherence to this regimen is notoriously poor…”
They’ve developed an implant to provide long-term and reliable drug delivery for people with glaucoma. This tiny implant (PA5108) is biodegradable and releases medication over time. Once the implant releases all medication, it dissolves without a trace. This allows for repeat treatments.
Promising Results from Clinical Trials presented in October 2024
17 participants received two PA5108 implants, spaced 21 weeks apart. The trial monitored these participants over 48 weeks, and the results were encouraging:
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Significant Pressure Reduction: The implant achieved meaningful reductions in intraocular pressure (IOP). It recorded average drops of 26% to 35%.
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Reduced Dependence on Eye Drops: 94% of participants didn’t need additional drops during the study.
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Safe and Well-Tolerated: The treatment was found to be safe. There were no negative effects on the eye’s clear layer (the cornea), even after repeated treatments.
Addressing a Common Challenge
One of the biggest hurdles in managing glaucoma is consistent use of prescribed eye drops. Studies have shown that 40% to 90% of people stop using their drops correctly after just one year. This inconsistency increases the risk of vision loss.
PolyActiva’s implant addresses this issue. It provides accurate dosing over an extended period, removing the need for daily eye drops. This technology not only simplifies treatment. It also reduces the risk of glaucoma-related blindness.
What’s Next?
PolyActiva is preparing for the next phase of clinical testing. They want to confirm these results and move closer to making the implant available to more patients.
This exciting development could revolutionize glaucoma care. It could offer a more convenient and reliable option for managing this condition. We will continue to keep you updated breakthrough treatment like this. You can read the full press release from PolyActiva here.
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