Infliximab effective against refractory uveitis in short-term study

The monoclonal antibody infliximab was effective in controlling refractory uveitis in the short term in an open-label study, according to a recent study. It was also effective in a long-term extension of the study, but an “unexpectedly high” rate of toxic effects was seen in the extended study, researchers reported.

Eric B. Suhler, MD, and colleagues enrolled 23 patients from the uveitis clinic of the Casey Eye Institute in Oregon in the open-label phase 2 study of infliximab. They received infusions at baseline and at weeks 2 and 6.

At week 10, 18 patients (78%) met the criteria for success. Patients meeting the criteria for success were given additional infusions at week 14 and every 8 weeks after, with dose escalation if necessary. Final outcomes were measured at week 50.

Seven of 14 patients who were enrolled in the 1-year extension were able to continue the infliximab therapy and maintain their successful gradings. Five patients did not complete 1 year of treatment because of adverse events that included pulmonary embolus and congestive heart failure, and two patients dropped out of the study for unrelated reasons.

“Infliximab was effective in the long term in all patients able to complete 50 weeks of therapy,” Dr. Suhler and colleagues said. However, they noted, “although some patients achieved a clear benefit, the rate of serious toxic effects was unexpectedly high. Further long-term studies are warranted to determine the safety and efficacy of infliximab in treating intraocular inflammation.”

The study is published in the July issue of Archives of Ophthalmology.