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Ocriplasmin studied for use in children scheduled for vitrectomy
CHICAGO — Data are being analyzed in a clinical trial involving the use of microplasmin in infants and children scheduled for vitrectomy, a speaker said here.
“Why do we care about this in children?” Kimberly Drenser, MD, PhD, asked an audience at Retina Subspecialty Day preceding the joint meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology. “The reason is because children’s eyes are significantly different than adult eyes, and that means that the surgical approaches are significantly different both in structure and also in results.”
Kimberly Drenser
The microplasmin in children (MIC) study is a phase 2 double-masked trial in which 24 patients were randomized to receive either 175 µg of Jetrea (microplasmin, ThromboGenics) or placebo intravitreal injection; 16 patients received microplasmin, and eight patients received placebo.
All patients were aged 16 years or younger, and all were suitable candidates for conventional two- or three-port pars plana vitrectomy with the vitreous still attached in the posterior pole.
Trial results are expected to be released before the end of the year.
“We also have a good understanding that the primary cause of failure in children from surgical treatment of retinal disease is failure to effectively remove the hyaloid from the underlying retinal junction,” Drenser said. “We look to hopefully use this treatment successfully in children in the future for complicated detachments.”
Disclosure: Drenser has no relevant financial disclosures.