Combination of OPT-302 and aflibercept shows promise in persistent DME

The addition of a VEGF-C/-D inhibitor (OPT-302) to treatment with an anti-VEGF-A monotherapy is well tolerated and improves visual outcomes in patients with persistent diabetic macula edema, according to a presentation at the 2020 ASRS Virtual Meeting.

VEGF-C/-D is thought to contribute to treatment resistance with anti-VEGF-A monotherapy, so dual-targeted inhibition of VEGF-C/-D and VEGF-A could potentially help in the management of persistent diabetic macula edema.

This interim analysis from the Phase 1b dose escalation study, 9 patients with persistent diabetic macula edema with a mean of 6.3 (SD 2.4) injections of prior anti-VEGF-A monotherapy were switched to a combination therapy of OPT-302 and aflibercept. Treatment was well tolerated at 3 different dose levels and no dose limiting toxicities were noted.

At week 12, the mean change in BCVA increased by + 7.7 letters from baseline. BCVA was observed to improve with increasing doses of OPT-302 + aflibercept.

At week 12, central subfield thickness was also reduced by -71µm from baseline and 67% of patients had a ≥ 50% reduction in excess foveal thickness.

Reference
Boyer D et al. Switching to combination OPT-302 with aflibercept from prior Anti-VEGF-A monotherapy in eyes with persistent diabetic macula edema (DME). Presented at: 2020 ASRS Virtual Meeting