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Antisense oligonucleotide eye drop may inhibit corneal neovascularization
Ophthalmology. 2009;doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2009.04.016.
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A novel oligonucleotide eye drop appears to be safe and well-tolerated, and it may inhibit angiogenesis, which is a significant risk factor for graft rejection after corneal transplantation, according to a phase 2 study.
In the study, 40 patients with progressive corneal neovascularization due to various pathologies were treated with one of three doses of GS-101 (Gene Signal), an antisense oligonucleotide against insulin receptor substrate-1, or placebo. The patients were followed for 3 months.
According to the study, all serious adverse events and 95% of all other adverse events were deemed to be unrelated to the study medication. However, ocular surface discomfort was reported in three patients.
The 86 µg/day dose (43 µg twice daily) led to regression of corneal neovascularization, as measured by the area of the cornea covered by corneal blood vessels. In this group, neovascularization was reduced by 2.04%. In the placebo group, all patients had progression of their neovascularization, according to the study.
The phase 2 trial is ongoing, according to the report.