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Hristodorov D, Lohoff T, Luneborg N, Mulder GJ, Clark SJ. Investing in vision: Innovation in retinal therapeutics and the influence on venture capital investment. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 99:101243. [PMID: 38218527 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Since the groundbreaking approval of the first anti-VEGF therapy in 2004, the retinal therapeutics field has undergone a remarkable transformation, witnessing a surge in novel, disease-modifying therapeutics for a broad spectrum of retinal diseases, extending beyond exudative VEGF-driven conditions. The surge in scientific advancement and the pressing, unmet, medical need have captured the attention of venture capital investors, who have collectively invested close to $10 billion in research and development of new retinal therapeutics between 2004 and 2023. Notably, the field of exudative diseases has gradually shifted away from trying to outcompete anti-VEGF therapeutics towards lowering the overall treatment burden by reducing injection frequency. Simultaneously, a new era has emerged in the non-exudative field, targeting prevalent conditions like dry AMD and rare indications such as Retinitis pigmentosa. This has led to promising drug candidates in development, culminating in the landmark approval of Luxturna for a rare form of Retinitis pigmentosa. The validation of new mechanisms, such as the complement pathway in dry AMD has paved the way for the approvals of Syvovre (Apellis) and Izervay (Iveric/Astellas), marking the first two therapies for this condition. In this comprehensive review, we share our view on the cumulative lessons from the past two decades in developing retinal therapeutics, covering both positive achievements and challenges. We also contextualize the investments, strategic partnering deals, and acquisitions of biotech companies, pharmaceutical companies venture capital investors in retinal therapeutics, respectively. Finally, we provide an outlook and potentially a forward-looking roadmap on novel retinal therapeutics, highlighting the emergence of potential new intervention strategies, such as cell-based therapies, gene editing, and combination therapies. We conclude that upcoming developments have the potential to further stimulate venture capital investments, which ultimately could facilitate the development and delivery of new therapies to patients in need.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Simon J Clark
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department for Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; University Eye Clinic, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Shen J, Chen L, Lv X, Liu N, Miao Y, Zhang Q, Xiao Z, Li M, Yang Y, Liu Z, Chen Q. Emerging Co-Assembled and Sustained Released Natural Medicinal Nanoparticles for Multitarget Therapy of Choroidal Neovascularization. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2314095. [PMID: 38344832 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202314095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) disease has become a worldwide senile disease, and frequent intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) is the mainstream treatment in the clinic, which is associated with sight-threatening complications. Herein, nintedanib, an inhibitor of angiogenesis, and lutein, a potent antioxidant, can co-assemble into nanoparticles through multiple noncovalent interactions. Interestingly, the co-assembled lutein/nintedanib nanoparticles (L/N NPs) exhibit significantly improved stability and achieve long-term sustained release of two drugs for at least two months in mice. Interestingly, in rabbit eyeball with a more complete barrier system, the L/N NPs still successfully distribute in the retina and choroid for a month. In the laser-induced mouse choroidal neovascularization model, the L/N NPs after a minimally invasive subconjunctival administration can successfully inhibit angiogenesis and achieve comparable and even better therapeutic results to that of standard intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF. Therefore, the subconjunctival injection of L/N NPs with long-term sustained drug release behavior represents a promising and innovative strategy for AMD treatment. Such minimally invasive administration together with the ability to effectively inhibit angiogenesis reduce inflammation and counteract oxidative stress and holds great potential for improving patient outcomes and quality of life in those suffering from this debilitating eye condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Shen
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Linfu Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Xinying Lv
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Nanhui Liu
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Yu Miao
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Zhisheng Xiao
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Maoyi Li
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Yang Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Zhuang Liu
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
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Agrón E, Domalpally A, Cukras CA, Chew EY, Keenan TDL. Critical Dependence on Area in Relationship between ARMS2/HTRA1 Genotype and Faster Geographic Atrophy Enlargement: Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Report Number 33. Ophthalmology 2024; 131:208-218. [PMID: 37717737 PMCID: PMC10843672 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2023.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze ARMS2/HTRA1 as a risk factor for faster geographic atrophy (GA) enlargement according to (1) GA area and (2) contiguous enlargement versus progression to multifocality. DESIGN Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) cohort analysis. PARTICIPANTS Eyes with GA: 546 eyes of 406 participants. METHODS Geographic atrophy area was measured from color fundus photographs at annual visits. Mixed-model regression of square root of GA area and proportional hazards regression of progression to multifocality were analyzed by ARMS2 genotype. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Change in square root GA area and progression to multifocality. RESULTS Geographic atrophy enlargement was significantly faster with ARMS2 risk alleles (P < 0.0001) at 0.224 mm/year (95% CI, 0.195-0.252 mm/year), 0.298 mm/year (95% CI, 0.271-0.324 mm/year), and 0.317 mm/year (95% CI, 0.279-0.355 mm/year), for 0 to 2 risk alleles, respectively. However, a significant interaction (P = 0.011) was observed between genotype and baseline area. In eyes with very small area (< 1.9 mm2), enlargement was significantly faster with ARMS2 risk alleles (P < 0.0001) at 0.193 mm/year (95% CI, 0.162-0.225 mm/year) versus 0.304 mm/year (95% CI, 0.280-0.329 mm/year) for 0 versus 1 to 2 risk alleles, respectively. With moderately small (1.9-3.8 mm2) or medium to large (≥ 3.8 mm2) area, enlargement was not significantly faster with ARMS2 risk alleles (P = 0.66 and P = 0.70, respectively). In nonmultifocal GA, enlargement was significantly faster with ARMS2 risk alleles (P = 0.001) at 0.175 mm/year (95% CI, 0.142-0.209 mm/year), 0.226 mm/year (95% CI, 0.193-0.259 mm/year), and 0.287 mm/year (95% CI, 0.237-0.337 mm/year) with 0 to 2 risk alleles, respectively. ARMS2 genotype was not associated significantly with progression to multifocal GA. CONCLUSIONS The relationship between ARMS2/HTRA1 genotype and faster GA enlargement depends critically on GA area: risk alleles represent a strong risk factor for faster enlargement only in eyes with very small area. They increase the growth rate more through contiguous enlargement than progression to multifocality. ARMS2/HTRA1 genotype is more important in increasing risk of progression to GA and initial GA enlargement (contiguously) than in subsequent enlargement or progression to multifocality. These findings may explain some discrepancies between previous studies and have implications for both research and clinical practice. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Agrón
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Amitha Domalpally
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Catherine A Cukras
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Emily Y Chew
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Tiarnan D L Keenan
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Chu L, Bi C, Wang C, Zhou H. The Relationship between Complements and Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Its Pathogenesis. J Ophthalmol 2024; 2024:6416773. [PMID: 38205100 PMCID: PMC10776198 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6416773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration is a retinal disease that causes permanent loss of central vision in people over the age of 65. Its pathogenesis may be related to mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, complement, intestinal flora, and lipid disorders. In addition, the patient's genes, age, gender, cardiovascular disease, unhealthy diet, and living habits may also be risk factors for this disease. Complement proteins are widely distributed in serum and tissue fluid. In the early 21st century, a connection was found between the complement cascade and age-related macular degeneration. However, little is known about the effect of complement factors on the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration. This article reviews the factors associated with age-related macular degeneration, the relationship between each factor and complement, the related functions, and variants and provides new ideas for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Chu
- Department of Ophthalmology, China–Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chaoran Bi
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Caiming Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, China–Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyan Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, China–Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Gasparian SA, Skrehot HC, Weng CY. Therapies for Geographic Atrophy. Int Ophthalmol Clin 2024; 64:5-20. [PMID: 38146878 DOI: 10.1097/iio.0000000000000515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
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Nadeem A, Malik IA, Shariq F, Afridi EK, Taha M, Raufi N, Naveed AK, Iqbal J, Habte A. Advancements in the treatment of geographic atrophy: focus on pegcetacoplan in age-related macular degeneration. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:6067-6077. [PMID: 38098608 PMCID: PMC10718344 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Geographic atrophy (GA) is a progressive form of age-related macular degeneration characterized by the degeneration of retinal pigment epithelial cells and photoreceptor death. The dysregulation of the complement cascade has been implicated in GA progression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology of age-related macular degeneration and GA, discusses current therapeutic options, and focuses on the recent breakthrough drug, pegcetacoplan (SYFOVRE). Pegcetacoplan is a complement inhibitor that selectively targets the C3 complement protein, effectively modulating complement activation. Clinical trials, including the OAKS and DERBY studies, have demonstrated the efficacy of SYFOVRE in reducing the growth of GA lesions compared to placebo. The FDA approval of SYFOVRE as the first and only definitive therapy for GA marks a significant milestone in the management of this debilitating condition. The review also explores potential future treatment strategies, including immune-modulating agents and ocular gene therapy. While SYFOVRE offers new hope for GA patients, further research is needed to evaluate its long-term benefits, safety profile, and optimal treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Nahid Raufi
- Department of Medicine, Kabul Medical University, Afghanistan
| | - Ahmed K. Naveed
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi
| | - Javed Iqbal
- King Edward Medical University Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Alexander Habte
- Department of Surgery, Assab Military Hospital, Assab, Eritrea
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Trivizki O, Loewenstein A, Zur D. The roadmap to geographic atrophy treatment: A journey of trials and promise. Acta Ophthalmol 2023; 101:891-895. [PMID: 37933605 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
This review covers advancements in geographic atrophy (GA) research. It discusses genetic contributions to AMD, explores treatment strategies, including complement inhibition, and highlights recent FDA approvals, safety concerns and promising future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Trivizki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Ophthalmology Division, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anat Loewenstein
- Ophthalmology Division, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dinah Zur
- Ophthalmology Division, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Ma H, Wei H, Zou C, Zhu G, Gao Q, Zhang N, Wang B. Anti-VEGF Drugs in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Focus on Dosing Regimen-Related Safety and Efficacy. Drugs Aging 2023; 40:991-1007. [PMID: 37863867 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-023-01068-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the main causes of visual impairment and severe visual loss, and can progress to two advanced forms-neovascularization and atrophic. The field of anti-AMD drugs has undergone huge developments in recent years, from single-target intravitreal administration to current clinical studies with multi-target and non-invasive agents, offering interesting new pharmacological opportunities for the treatment of this disease. Hence, we summarize some of the approved anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs for neovascular AMD, especially their structural characteristics, clinical manifestations, dosing regimens, and safety issues of the anti-VEGF drugs highlighted. In addition, advances in atrophic AMD drug research are also briefly described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibei Ma
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai Wei
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunpu Zou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoqin Zhu
- SPH Xingling Sci. & Tech. Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Gao
- SPH Xingling Sci. & Tech. Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China.
| | - Ning Zhang
- Experiment Center for Science and Technology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cai-lun Rd, Shanghai, China.
| | - Bing Wang
- Center for Pharmaceutics Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Hai-ke Rd, Shanghai, China.
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Liu J, Copland DA, Clare AJ, Gorski M, Richards BT, Scott L, Theodoropoulou S, Greferath U, Cox K, Bell OH, Ou K, Powell JLB, Wu J, Robles LM, Li Y, Nicholson LB, Coffey PJ, Fletcher EL, Guymer R, Radeke MJ, Heid IM, Hageman GS, Chan YK, Dick AD. Replenishing Age-Related Decline of IRAK-M Expression in Retinal Pigment Epithelium Attenuates Outer Retinal Degeneration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.27.559733. [PMID: 37808640 PMCID: PMC10557650 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.27.559733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Unchecked, chronic inflammation is a constitutive component of age-related diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here we identified interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK)-M as a key immunoregulator in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) that declines with age. Rare genetic variants of IRAK-M increased the likelihood of AMD. IRAK-M expression in RPE declined with age or oxidative stress and was further reduced in AMD. IRAK-M-deficient mice exhibited increased incidence of outer retinal degeneration at earlier ages, which was further exacerbated by oxidative stressors. The absence of IRAK-M disrupted RPE cell homeostasis, including compromised mitochondrial function, cellular senescence, and aberrant cytokine production. IRAK-M overexpression protected RPE cells against oxidative or immune stressors. Subretinal delivery of AAV-expressing IRAK-M rescued light-induced outer retinal degeneration in wild-type mice and attenuated age-related spontaneous retinal degeneration in IRAK-M-deficient mice. Our data support that replenishment of IRAK-M expression may redress dysregulated pro-inflammatory processes in AMD, thereby treating degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Liu
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Copland
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Alison J. Clare
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Mathias Gorski
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Burt T. Richards
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Louis Scott
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sofia Theodoropoulou
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ursula Greferath
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine Cox
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver H. Bell
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Kepeng Ou
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jenna Le Brun Powell
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Luis Martinez Robles
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Yingxin Li
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsay B. Nicholson
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J. Coffey
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erica L. Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robyn Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Monte J. Radeke
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, United States
| | - Iris M. Heid
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gregory S. Hageman
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Ying Kai Chan
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Andrew D. Dick
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Golomingi M, Kohler J, Lamers C, Pouw RB, Ricklin D, Dobó J, Gál P, Pál G, Kiss B, Dopler A, Schmidt CQ, Hardy ET, Lam W, Schroeder V. Complement inhibition can decrease the haemostatic response in a microvascular bleeding model at multiple levels. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1226832. [PMID: 37771595 PMCID: PMC10525698 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1226832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Haemostasis is a crucial process by which the body stops bleeding. It is achieved by the formation of a platelet plug, which is strengthened by formation of a fibrin mesh mediated by the coagulation cascade. In proinflammatory and prothrombotic conditions, multiple interactions of the complement system and the coagulation cascade are known to aggravate thromboinflammatory processes and increase the risk of arterial and venous thrombosis. Whether those interactions also play a relevant role during the physiological process of haemostasis is not yet completely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of complement components and activation during the haemostatic response to mechanical vessel injury. Methods We used a microvascular bleeding model that simulates a blood vessel, featuring human endothelial cells, perfusion with fresh human whole blood, and an inducible mechanical injury to the vessel. We studied the effects of complement inhibitors against components of the lectin (MASP-1, MASP-2), classical (C1s), alternative (FD) and common pathways (C3, C5), as well as a novel triple fusion inhibitor of all three complement pathways (TriFu). Effects on clot formation were analysed by recording of fibrin deposition and the platelet activation marker CD62P at the injury site in real time using a confocal microscope. Results With the inhibitors targeting MASP-2 or C1s, no significant reduction of fibrin formation was observed, while platelet activation was significantly reduced in the presence of the FD inhibitor. Both common pathway inhibitors targeting C3 or C5, respectively, were associated with a substantial reduction of fibrin formation, and platelet activation was also reduced in the presence of the C3 inhibitor. Triple inhibition of all three activation pathways at the C3-convertase level by TriFu reduced both fibrin formation and platelet activation. When several complement inhibitors were directly compared in two individual donors, TriFu and the inhibitors of MASP-1 and C3 had the strongest effects on clot formation. Conclusion The observed impact of complement inhibition on reducing fibrin clot formation and platelet activation suggests a role of the complement system in haemostasis, with modulators of complement initiation, amplification or effector functions showing distinct profiles. While the interactions between complement and coagulation might have evolved to support haemostasis and protect against bleeding in case of vessel injury, they can turn harmful in pathological conditions when aggravating thromboinflammation and promoting thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murielle Golomingi
- Experimental Haemostasis Group, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jessie Kohler
- Experimental Haemostasis Group, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christina Lamers
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Richard B. Pouw
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Ricklin
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - József Dobó
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Gál
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Pál
- Department of Biochemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bence Kiss
- Department of Biochemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Arthur Dopler
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christoph Q. Schmidt
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Elaissa Trybus Hardy
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Wilbur Lam
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Verena Schroeder
- Experimental Haemostasis Group, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Hallam TM, Sharp SJ, Andreadi A, Kavanagh D. Complement factor I: Regulatory nexus, driver of immunopathology, and therapeutic. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152410. [PMID: 37478687 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2023.152410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Complement factor I (FI) is the nexus for classical, lectin and alternative pathway complement regulation. FI is an 88 kDa plasma protein that circulates in an inactive configuration until it forms a trimolecular complex with its cofactor and substrate whereupon a structural reorganization allows the catalytic triad to cleave its substrates, C3b and C4b. In keeping with its role as the master complement regulatory enzyme, deficiency has been linked to immunopathology. In the setting of complete FI deficiency, a consumptive C3 deficiency results in recurrent infections with encapsulated microorganisms. Aseptic cerebral inflammation and vasculitic presentations are also less commonly observed. Heterozygous mutations in the factor I gene (CFI) have been demonstrated to be enriched in atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome, albeit with a very low penetrance. Haploinsufficiency of CFI has also been associated with decreased retinal thickness and is a strong risk factor for the development of age-related macular degeneration. Supplementation of FI using plasma purified or recombinant protein has long been postulated, however, technical difficulties prevented progression into clinical trials. It is only using gene therapy that CFI supplementation has reached the clinic with GT005 in phase I/II clinical trials for geographic atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Hallam
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, A Novartis Company, Rolling Stock Yard, London N7 9AS, UK; Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Building 26, Royal Victoria Infirmary, UK
| | - S J Sharp
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, A Novartis Company, Rolling Stock Yard, London N7 9AS, UK
| | - A Andreadi
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Building 26, Royal Victoria Infirmary, UK
| | - D Kavanagh
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Building 26, Royal Victoria Infirmary, UK; NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Biomedical Research Building, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK.
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Amini MA, Karbasi A, Vahabirad M, Khanaghaei M, Alizamir A. Mechanistic Insight into Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Anatomy, Epidemiology, Genetics, Pathogenesis, Prevention, Implications, and Treatment Strategies to Pace AMD Management. Chonnam Med J 2023; 59:143-159. [PMID: 37840684 PMCID: PMC10570864 DOI: 10.4068/cmj.2023.59.3.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most complicated eye disorders is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which is the leading cause of irremediable blindness all over the world in the elderly. AMD is classified as early stage to late stage (advanced AMD), in which this stage is divided into the exudative or neovascular form (wet AMD) and the nonexudative or atrophic form (dry AMD). Clinically, AMD primarily influences the central area of retina known as the macula. Importantly, the wet form is generally associated with more severe vision loss. AMD has a systemic component, where many factors, like aging, genetic, environment, autoimmune and non-autoimmune disorders are associated with this disease. Additionally, healthy lifestyles, regular exercise, maintaining a normal lipid profile and weight are crucial to decreasing the risk of AMD. Furthermore, therapeutic strategies for limiting AMD should encompass a variety of factors to avoid and improve drug interventions, and also need to take into account personalized genetic information. In conclusion, with the development of technology and research progress, visual impairment and legal blindness from AMD have been substantially reduced in incidence. This review article is focused on identifying and developing the knowledge about the association between genetics, and etiology with AMD. We hope that this review will encourage researchers and lecturers, open new discussions, and contribute to a better understanding of AMD that improves patients' visual acuity, and upgrades the quality of life of AMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amin Amini
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ashkan Karbasi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Vahabirad
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Masoud Khanaghaei
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Sirjan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
| | - Aida Alizamir
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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Shughoury A, Sevgi DD, Ciulla TA. The complement system: a novel therapeutic target for age-related macular degeneration. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:1887-1899. [PMID: 37691588 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2257604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With the recent FDA approvals of pegcetacoplan (SYFOVRE, Apellis Pharmaceuticals) and avacincaptad pegol (IZERVAY, Astellas Pharmaceuticals), modulation of the complement system has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for slowing progression of geographic atrophy (GA) in AMD. AREAS COVERED This article reviews the current understanding of the complement system, its role in AMD, and the various complement-targeting therapies in development for the treatment of GA, including monoclonal antibodies, aptamers, protein analogs, and gene therapies. Approved and investigational agents have largely focused on interfering with the activity of complement components 3 and 5, owing to their central roles in the classical, lectin, and alternative complement pathways. Other investigational therapies have targeted formation of membrane attack complex (a terminal step in the complement cascade which leads to cell lysis), complement factors H and I (which serve regulatory functions in the alternative pathway), complement factors B and D (within the alternative pathway), and complement component 1 (within the classical pathway). Clinical trials investigating these agents are summarized, and the potential benefits and limitations of these therapies are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Targeting the complement system is a promising therapeutic approach for slowing the progression of GA in AMD, potentially improving visual outcomes. However, increased risk of exudative conversion must be considered, and further research is required to identify clinical criteria and best practices for initiating complement inhibitor therapy for GA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aumer Shughoury
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Duriye D Sevgi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Thomas A Ciulla
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Clearside Biomedical, Inc, Alpharetta, GA, USA
- Midwest Eye Institute, Carmel, IN, USA
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14
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Parkinson KM, Sayre EC, Tobe SW. Evaluation of visual acuity in dry AMD patients after microcurrent electrical stimulation. Int J Retina Vitreous 2023; 9:36. [PMID: 37331928 DOI: 10.1186/s40942-023-00471-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess micro current to improve vision for dry age-related macular degeneration. Dry age-related macular degeneration is a major cause of blindness, disability, and severe erosion of quality of life, throughout the world. Beyond nutritional supplementation, there is no approved therapy. METHODS This was a prospective randomized sham controlled clinical trial for participants with confirmed dry AMD with documented visual loss. Participants were randomized three to one, to receive transpalpebral external micro current electrical stimulation with the MacuMira device. The Treatment group received four treatments in the first two weeks, and two further treatments at weeks 14 and 26. Differences in BCVA and contrast sensitivity (CS) were estimated with mixed-effects repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS Change of visual acuity with ETDRS assessment of number of letters read (NLR) and contrast sensitivity at week 4 and 30, compared to the first visit, between 43 treatment and 19 sham control participants. The Sham Control group had NLR of 24.2 (SD 7.1) at baseline, 24.2 (SD 7.2) at 4 weeks, and 22.1 (SD7.4) at 30 weeks. The Treatment group had NLR of 19.6 (SD 8.9) at baseline, 27.6 (SD 9.1) at 4 weeks, and 27.8 (SD 8.4) at 30 weeks. The change in NLR from baseline in the Treatment compared to the Sham control group was 7.7 (95% CI 5.7, 9.7, p < 0.001) at 4 weeks and 10.4 (95% CI 7.8, 13.1, p < 0.001) at 30 weeks. There were similar benefits in CS. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study of transpalpebral microcurrent demonstrated improved visual measures and is very encouraging as a potential treatment for dry AMD. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02540148, ClinicalTrials.gov.
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Tzoumas N, Riding G, Williams MA, Steel DH. Complement inhibitors for age-related macular degeneration. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 6:CD009300. [PMID: 37314061 PMCID: PMC10266126 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009300.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease and leading cause of sight loss worldwide. Despite its high prevalence and increasing incidence as populations age, AMD remains incurable and there are no treatments for most patients. Mounting genetic and molecular evidence implicates complement system overactivity as a key driver of AMD development and progression. The last decade has seen the development of several novel therapeutics targeting complement in the eye for the treatment of AMD. This review update encompasses the results of the first randomised controlled trials in this field. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects and safety of complement inhibitors in the prevention or treatment of AMD. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL on the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, Web of Science, ISRCTN registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO ICTRP to 29 June 2022 with no language restrictions. We also contacted companies running clinical trials for unpublished data. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with parallel groups and comparator arms that studied complement inhibition for advanced AMD prevention/treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently assessed search results and resolved discrepancies through discussion. Outcome measures evaluated at one year included change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), untransformed and square root-transformed geographic atrophy (GA) lesion size progression, development of macular neovascularisation (MNV) or exudative AMD, development of endophthalmitis, loss of ≥ 15 letters of BCVA, change in low luminance visual acuity, and change in quality of life. We assessed risk of bias and evidence certainty using Cochrane risk of bias and GRADE tools. MAIN RESULTS Ten RCTs with 4052 participants and eyes with GA were included. Nine evaluated intravitreal (IVT) administrations against sham, and one investigated an intravenous agent against placebo. Seven studies excluded patients with prior MNV in the non-study eye, whereas the three pegcetacoplan studies did not. The risk of bias in the included studies was low overall. We also synthesised results of two intravitreal agents (lampalizumab, pegcetacoplan) at monthly and every-other-month (EOM) dosing intervals. Efficacy and safety of IVT lampalizumab versus sham for GA For 1932 participants in three studies, lampalizumab did not meaningfully change BCVA given monthly (+1.03 letters, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.19 to 2.25) or EOM (+0.22 letters, 95% CI -1.00 to 1.44) (high-certainty evidence). For 1920 participants, lampalizumab did not meaningfully change GA lesion growth given monthly (+0.07 mm², 95% CI -0.09 to 0.23; moderate-certainty due to imprecision) or EOM (+0.07 mm², 95% CI -0.05 to 0.19; high-certainty). For 2000 participants, lampalizumab may have also increased MNV risk given monthly (RR 1.77, 95% CI 0.73 to 4.30) and EOM (RR 1.70, 95% CI 0.67 to 4.28), based on low-certainty evidence. The incidence of endophthalmitis in patients treated with monthly and EOM lampalizumab was 4 per 1000 (0 to 87) and 3 per 1000 (0 to 62), respectively, based on moderate-certainty evidence. Efficacy and safety of IVT pegcetacoplan versus sham for GA For 242 participants in one study, pegcetacoplan probably did not meaningfully change BCVA given monthly (+1.05 letters, 95% CI -2.71 to 4.81) or EOM (-1.42 letters, 95% CI -5.25 to 2.41), as supported by moderate-certainty evidence. In contrast, for 1208 participants across three studies, pegcetacoplan meaningfully reduced GA lesion growth when given monthly (-0.38 mm², 95% CI -0.57 to -0.19) and EOM (-0.29 mm², 95% CI -0.44 to -0.13), with high certainty. These reductions correspond to 19.2% and 14.8% versus sham, respectively. A post hoc analysis showed possibly greater benefits in 446 participants with extrafoveal GA given monthly (-0.67 mm², 95% CI -0.98 to -0.36) and EOM (-0.60 mm², 95% CI -0.91 to -0.30), representing 26.1% and 23.3% reductions, respectively. However, we did not have data on subfoveal GA growth to undertake a formal subgroup analysis. In 1502 participants, there is low-certainty evidence that pegcetacoplan may have increased MNV risk when given monthly (RR 4.47, 95% CI 0.41 to 48.98) or EOM (RR 2.29, 95% CI 0.46 to 11.35). The incidence of endophthalmitis in patients treated with monthly and EOM pegcetacoplan was 6 per 1000 (1 to 53) and 8 per 1000 (1 to 70) respectively, based on moderate-certainty evidence. Efficacy and safety of IVT avacincaptad pegol versus sham for GA In a study of 260 participants with extrafoveal or juxtafoveal GA, monthly avacincaptad pegol probably did not result in a clinically meaningful change in BCVA at 2 mg (+1.39 letters, 95% CI -5.89 to 8.67) or 4 mg (-0.28 letters, 95% CI -8.74 to 8.18), based on moderate-certainty evidence. Despite this, the drug was still found to have probably reduced GA lesion growth, with estimates of 30.5% reduction at 2 mg (-0.70 mm², 95% CI -1.99 to 0.59) and 25.6% reduction at 4 mg (-0.71 mm², 95% CI -1.92 to 0.51), based on moderate-certainty evidence. Avacincaptad pegol may have also increased the risk of developing MNV (RR 3.13, 95% CI 0.93 to 10.55), although this evidence is of low certainty. There were no cases of endophthalmitis reported in this study. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Despite confirmation of the negative findings of intravitreal lampalizumab across all endpoints, local complement inhibition with intravitreal pegcetacoplan meaningfully reduces GA lesion growth relative to sham at one year. Inhibition of complement C5 with intravitreal avacincaptad pegol is also an emerging therapy with probable benefits on anatomical endpoints in the extrafoveal or juxtafoveal GA population. However, there is currently no evidence that complement inhibition with any agent improves functional endpoints in advanced AMD; further results from the phase 3 studies of pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol are eagerly awaited. Progression to MNV or exudative AMD is a possible emergent adverse event of complement inhibition, requiring careful consideration should these agents be used clinically. Intravitreal administration of complement inhibitors is probably associated with a small risk of endophthalmitis, which may be higher than that of other intravitreal therapies. Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimates of adverse effects and may change these. The optimal dosing regimens, treatment duration, and cost-effectiveness of such therapies are yet to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Tzoumas
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
- Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Sunderland, UK
| | - George Riding
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
- North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Michael A Williams
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - David Hw Steel
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
- Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Sunderland, UK
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Biarnés M, Garrell-Salat X, Gómez-Benlloch A, Guarro M, Londoño G, López E, Ruiz S, Vázquez M, Sararols L. Methodological Appraisal of Phase 3 Clinical Trials in Geographic Atrophy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1548. [PMID: 37371644 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration is a common cause of blindness worldwide. Given the recent approval of the first therapy for GA, pegcetacoplan, we critically appraise methodological aspects of the phase 3 clinical trials published so far in this disease in relation to their design, analysis and interpretation. We reviewed some of the key attributes of all phase 3 clinical trials in GA available in the main public registry of clinical trials as of 20 May 2023. The topics discussed included types of endpoints, eligibility criteria, p-value and effect size, study power and sample size, the intention to treat principle, missing data, consistency of results, efficacy-safety balance and application of results. Five phase 3 clinical trials have reported results, either partially or completely: GATHER1, DERBY/OAKS, CHROMA/SPECTRI, SEATTLE and GATE. Although there are many similarities between these trials in terms of endpoints or broad eligibility criteria, they differ in several aspects (metric of the primary endpoint, sample size, type of adverse events, etc.) that can influence the results, which are discussed. Readers should understand key methodological aspects of clinical trials to improve their interpretation. On the other hand, authors should adhere to clinical trial reporting guidelines to communicate what was done and how it was done.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Biarnés
- OMIQ Research, Carrer de Pedro i Pons 1, 08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Xavier Garrell-Salat
- OMIQ Research, Carrer de Pedro i Pons 1, 08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital General de Granollers, Av. Francesc Ribas s/n, 08402 Granollers, Spain
| | - Alba Gómez-Benlloch
- OMIQ Research, Carrer de Pedro i Pons 1, 08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital General de Granollers, Av. Francesc Ribas s/n, 08402 Granollers, Spain
| | - Mercè Guarro
- OMIQ Research, Carrer de Pedro i Pons 1, 08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital General de Granollers, Av. Francesc Ribas s/n, 08402 Granollers, Spain
| | - Gabriel Londoño
- OMIQ Research, Carrer de Pedro i Pons 1, 08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital General de Granollers, Av. Francesc Ribas s/n, 08402 Granollers, Spain
| | - Elena López
- OMIQ Research, Carrer de Pedro i Pons 1, 08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Sergi Ruiz
- OMIQ Research, Carrer de Pedro i Pons 1, 08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Meritxell Vázquez
- OMIQ Research, Carrer de Pedro i Pons 1, 08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Laura Sararols
- OMIQ Research, Carrer de Pedro i Pons 1, 08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital General de Granollers, Av. Francesc Ribas s/n, 08402 Granollers, Spain
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17
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Wang W, Lin P, Wang S, Zhang G, Chen C, Lu X, Zhuang Y, Su J, Wang H, Xu L. In-depth mining of single-cell transcriptome reveals the key immune-regulated loops in age-related macular degeneration. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1173123. [PMID: 37273909 PMCID: PMC10235539 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1173123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an ever-increasing ocular disease, has become one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness. Recent advances in single-cell genomics are improving our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of AMD. However, the pathophysiology of this multifactorial disease is complicated and still an ongoing challenge. To better understand disease pathogenesis and identify effective targets, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the single-cell transcriptome of AMD. Methods The cell expression specificity of the gene (CESG) was selected as an index to identify the novel cell markers. A computational framework was designed to explore the cell-specific TF regulatory loops, containing the interaction of gene pattern signatures, transcription factors regulons, and differentially expressed genes. Results Three potential novel cell markers were DNASE1L3 for endothelial cells, ABCB5 for melanocytes, and SLC39A12 for RPE cells detected. We observed a notable change in the cell abundance and crosstalk of fibroblasts cells, melanocytes, schwann cells, and T/NK cells between AMD and controls, representing a complex cellular ecosystem in disease status. Finally, we identified six cell type related and three disease-associated ternary loops and elaborated on the robust association between key immune-pathway and AMD. Discussion In conclusion, this study facilitates the optimization of screening for AMD-related receptor ligand pathways and proposes to further improve the interpretability of disease associations from single-cell data. It illuminated that immune-related regulation paths could be used as potential diagnostic markers for AMD, and in the future, also as therapeutic targets, providing insights into AMD diagnosis and potential interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencan Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Peng Lin
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Siyu Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guosi Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chong Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Lu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Youyuan Zhuang
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jianzhong Su
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Institute of PSI Genomics Co., Ltd., Wenzhou, China
| | - Hong Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Center of Optometry International Innovation of Wenzhou, Eye Valley, Wenzhou, China
| | - Liangde Xu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Center of Optometry International Innovation of Wenzhou, Eye Valley, Wenzhou, China
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Agrón E, Domalpally A, Cukras CA, Clemons TE, Chen Q, Swaroop A, Lu Z, Chew EY, Keenan TDL. Reticular Pseudodrusen Status, ARMS2/HTRA1 Genotype, and Geographic Atrophy Enlargement: Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Report 32. Ophthalmology 2023; 130:488-500. [PMID: 36481221 PMCID: PMC10121754 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2022.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) status, ARMS2/HTRA1 genotype, or both are associated with altered geographic atrophy (GA) enlargement rate and to analyze potential mediation of genetic effects by RPD status. DESIGN Post hoc analysis of an Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 cohort. PARTICIPANTS Eyes with GA: n = 771 from 563 participants. METHODS Geographic atrophy area was measured from fundus photographs at annual visits. Reticular pseudodrusen presence was graded from fundus autofluorescence images. Mixed-model regression of square root of GA area was performed by RPD status, ARMS2 genotype, or both. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Change in square root of GA area. RESULTS Geographic atrophy enlargement was significantly faster in eyes with RPD (P < 0.0001): 0.379 mm/year (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.329-0.430 mm/year) versus 0.273 mm/year (95% CI, 0.256-0.289 mm/year). Enlargement was also significantly faster in individuals carrying ARMS2 risk alleles (P < 0.0001): 0.224 mm/year (95% CI, 0.198-0.250 mm/year), 0.287 mm/year (95% CI, 0.263-0.310 mm/year), and 0.307 mm/year (95% CI, 0.273-0.341 mm/year) for 0, 1, and 2, respectively. In mediation analysis, the direct effect of ARMS2 genotype was 0.074 mm/year (95% CI, 0.009-0.139 mm/year), whereas the indirect effect of ARMS2 genotype via RPD status was 0.002 mm/year (95% CI, -0.006 to 0.009 mm/year). In eyes with incident GA, RPD presence was not associated with an altered likelihood of central involvement (P = 0.29) or multifocality (P = 0.16) at incidence. In eyes with incident noncentral GA, RPD presence was associated with faster GA progression to the central macula (P = 0.009): 157 μm/year (95% CI, 126-188 μm/year) versus 111 μm/year (95% CI, 97-125 μm/year). Similar findings were observed in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. CONCLUSIONS Geographic atrophy enlargement is faster in eyes with RPD and in individuals carrying ARMS2/HTRA1 risk alleles. However, RPD status does not mediate the association between ARMS2/HTRA1 genotype and faster enlargement. Reticular pseudodrusen presence and ARMS2/HTRA1 genotype are relatively independent risk factors, operating by distinct mechanisms. Reticular pseudodrusen presence does not predict central involvement or multifocality at GA incidence but is associated with faster progression toward the central macula. Reticular pseudodrusen status should be considered for improved predictions of enlargement rate. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Agrón
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Amitha Domalpally
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Catherine A Cukras
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Qingyu Chen
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Zhiyong Lu
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Emily Y Chew
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Tiarnan D L Keenan
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Anegondi N, Gao SS, Steffen V, Spaide RF, Sadda SR, Holz FG, Rabe C, Honigberg L, Newton EM, Cluceru J, Kawczynski MG, Bengtsson T, Ferrara D, Yang Q. Deep Learning to Predict Geographic Atrophy Area and Growth Rate from Multimodal Imaging. Ophthalmol Retina 2023; 7:243-252. [PMID: 36038116 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2022.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop deep learning models for annualized geographic atrophy (GA) growth rate prediction using fundus autofluorescence (FAF) images and spectral-domain OCT volumes from baseline visits, which can be used for prognostic covariate adjustment to increase power of clinical trials. DESIGN This retrospective analysis estimated GA growth rate as the slope of a linear fit on all available measurements of lesion area over a 2-year period. Three multitask deep learning models-FAF-only, OCT-only, and multimodal (FAF and OCT)-were developed to predict concurrent GA area and annualized growth rate. PARTICIPANTS Patients were from prospective and observational lampalizumab clinical trials. METHODS The 3 models were trained on the development data set, tested on the holdout set, and further evaluated on the independent test sets. Baseline FAF images and OCT volumes from study eyes of patients with bilateral GA (NCT02247479; NCT02247531; and NCT02479386) were split into development (1279 patients/eyes) and holdout (443 patients/eyes) sets. Baseline FAF images from study eyes of NCT01229215 (106 patients/eyes) and NCT02399072 (169 patients/eyes) were used as independent test sets. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Model performance was evaluated using squared Pearson correlation coefficient (r2) between observed and predicted lesion areas/growth rates. Confidence intervals were calculated by bootstrap resampling (B = 10 000). RESULTS On the holdout data set, r2 (95% confidence interval) of the FAF-only, OCT-only, and multimodal models for GA lesion area prediction was 0.96 (0.95-0.97), 0.91 (0.87-0.95), and 0.94 (0.92-0.96), respectively, and for GA growth rate prediction was 0.48 (0.41-0.55), 0.36 (0.29-0.43), and 0.47 (0.40-0.54), respectively. On the 2 independent test sets, r2 of the FAF-only model for GA lesion area was 0.98 (0.97-0.99) and 0.95 (0.93-0.96), and for GA growth rate was 0.65 (0.52-0.75) and 0.47 (0.34-0.60). CONCLUSIONS We show the feasibility of using baseline FAF images and OCT volumes to predict individual GA area and growth rates using a multitask deep learning approach. The deep learning-based growth rate predictions could be used for covariate adjustment to increase power of clinical trials. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Anegondi
- Clinical Imaging Group, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California; Roche Ophthalmology Personalized Healthcare, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Simon S Gao
- Clinical Imaging Group, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California; Roche Ophthalmology Personalized Healthcare, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Verena Steffen
- Roche Ophthalmology Personalized Healthcare, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California; Biostatistics, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Richard F Spaide
- Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, New York
| | - SriniVas R Sadda
- Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California; Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Frank G Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology and GRADE Reading Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christina Rabe
- Roche Ophthalmology Personalized Healthcare, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California; Biostatistics, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Lee Honigberg
- Roche Ophthalmology Personalized Healthcare, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California; Biomarker Development, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Elizabeth M Newton
- Roche Ophthalmology Personalized Healthcare, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Julia Cluceru
- Clinical Imaging Group, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California; Roche Ophthalmology Personalized Healthcare, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Michael G Kawczynski
- Roche Ophthalmology Personalized Healthcare, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California; Data Science Imaging, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Thomas Bengtsson
- Roche Ophthalmology Personalized Healthcare, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California; Data Science Imaging, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Daniela Ferrara
- Roche Ophthalmology Personalized Healthcare, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Qi Yang
- Roche Ophthalmology Personalized Healthcare, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California; Data Science Imaging, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
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Edmonds R, Steffen V, Honigberg LA, Chang MC. The Role of the Complement Pathway in Clinical Progression of Geographic Atrophy: Analysis of the Phase 3 Chroma and Spectri Trials. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2023.100301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
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21
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Khachigian LM, Liew G, Teo KYC, Wong TY, Mitchell P. Emerging therapeutic strategies for unmet need in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. J Transl Med 2023; 21:133. [PMID: 36810060 PMCID: PMC9942398 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03937-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a major cause of visual impairment and blindness. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, such as ranibizumab, bevacizumab, aflibercept, brolucizumab and faricimab have revolutionized the clinical management of nAMD. However, there remains an unmet clinical need for new and improved therapies for nAMD, since many patients do not respond optimally, may lose response over time or exhibit sub-optimal durability, impacting on real world effectiveness. Evidence is emerging that targeting VEGF-A alone, as most agents have done until recently, may be insufficient and agents that target multiple pathways (e.g., aflibercept, faricimab and others in development) may be more efficacious. This article reviews issues and limitations that have arisen from the use of existing anti-VEGF agents, and argues that the future may lie in multi-targeted therapies including alternative agents and modalities that target both the VEGF ligand/receptor system as well as other pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levon M. Khachigian
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Vascular Biology and Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Gerald Liew
- grid.476921.fCentre for Vision Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Kelvin Y. C. Teo
- grid.419272.b0000 0000 9960 1711Singapore National Eye Centre and Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore ,grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tien Y. Wong
- grid.419272.b0000 0000 9960 1711Singapore National Eye Centre and Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore ,grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore ,grid.12527.330000 0001 0662 3178Tsinghua Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Paul Mitchell
- grid.476921.fCentre for Vision Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
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22
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Alternative Complement Pathway Inhibition by Lampalizumab: Analysis of Data from Chroma and Spectri Phase 3 Clinical Trials. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2023; 3:100286. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2023.100286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
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23
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Abstract
Uncontrolled alternative pathway activation is the primary driver of several diseases, and it contributes to the pathogenesis of many others. Consequently, diagnostic tests to monitor this arm of the complement system are increasingly important. Defects in alternative pathway regulation are strong risk factors for disease, and drugs that specifically block the alternative pathway are entering clinical use. A range of diagnostic tests have been developed to evaluate and monitor the alternative pathway, including assays to measure its function, expression of alternative pathway constituents, and activation fragments. Genetic studies have also revealed many disease-associated variants in alternative pathway genes that predict the risk of disease and prognosis. Newer imaging modalities offer the promise of non-invasively detecting and localizing pathologic complement activation. Together, these various tests help in the diagnosis of disease, provide important prognostic information, and can help guide therapy with complement inhibitory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M. Thurman
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Veronique Fremeaux-Bacchi
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, European Hospital Georges Pompidou, Department of Immunology Biology and INSERM UMRS1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Team "Inflammation, Complement and Cancer", Paris, France
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24
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Complement factor D derived from epicardial adipose tissue participates in cardiomyocyte apoptosis after myocardial infarction by mediating PARP-1 activity. Cell Signal 2023; 101:110518. [PMID: 36351508 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is considered to be the main cause of congestive heart failure. The aim of this study was to provide an in-depth analysis of athophysiological processes and provide key targets for intervention in the occurrence of acute MI. METHODS A rat model of MI was established by ligation of left anterior descending branch. Heart tissue, epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were collected. H9c2 cells were used to explore the mechanism of complement factor D (CFD) regulating cardiomyocyte apoptosis. RESULTS Myocardial apoptosis were observed in MI rat, and more EAT was found in the MI group in vivo. The conditioned medium prepared by EAT (EAT-CM) significantly reduced the activity of H9c2 cells. The content of CFD in EAT was significantly increased, and CFD promoted cardiomyocyte apoptosis in vitro and CFD-IN1 (a selective inhibitor of CFD) could revised this effect. CFD induced poly ADP-ribosepolymerase-1 (PARP-1) overactivation. Furthermore, the addition of pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD in the SAT-CM + CFD group couldn't affect H9c2 cell apoptosis. CFD induced cell apoptosis via PARP-1 activation and PARP-1 inhibitor 3-Aminobenzamide could revise this effect. The injection of CFD-IN1 in MI rat model confirmed that inhibition of CFD activity alleviated cardiomyocytes apoptosis. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that EAT mediating cardiomyocyte apoptosis after MI through secretion of CFD and activation of PARP-1 activity.
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25
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de Jong S, Tang J, Clark SJ. Age-related macular degeneration: A disease of extracellular complement amplification. Immunol Rev 2023; 313:279-297. [PMID: 36223117 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of vision impairment in the Western World, and with the aging world population, its incidence is increasing. As of today, for the majority of patients, no treatment exists. Multiple genetic and biochemical studies have shown a strong association with components in the complement system and AMD, and evidence suggests a major role of remodeling of the extracellular matrix underlying the outer blood/retinal barrier. As part of the innate immune system, the complement cascade acts as a first-line defense against pathogens, and upon activation, its amplification loop ensures a strong, rapid, and sustained response. Excessive activation, however, can lead to host tissue damage and cause complement-associated diseases like AMD. AMD patients present with aberrant activation of the alternative pathway, especially in ocular tissues but also on a systemic level. Here, we review the latest findings of complement activation in AMD, and we will discuss in vivo observations made in human tissue, cellular models, the potential synergy of different AMD-associated pathways, and conclude on current clinical trials and the future outlook.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah de Jong
- Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jiaqi Tang
- Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simon J Clark
- Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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26
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Schmidt CQ, Smith RJH. Protein therapeutics and their lessons: Expect the unexpected when inhibiting the multi-protein cascade of the complement system. Immunol Rev 2023; 313:376-401. [PMID: 36398537 PMCID: PMC9852015 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Over a century after the discovery of the complement system, the first complement therapeutic was approved for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). It was a long-acting monoclonal antibody (aka 5G1-1, 5G1.1, h5G1.1, and now known as eculizumab) that targets C5, specifically preventing the generation of C5a, a potent anaphylatoxin, and C5b, the first step in the eventual formation of membrane attack complex. The enormous clinical and financial success of eculizumab across four diseases (PNH, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), myasthenia gravis (MG), and anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)) has fueled a surge in complement therapeutics, especially targeting diseases with an underlying complement pathophysiology for which anti-C5 therapy is ineffective. Intensive research has also uncovered challenges that arise from C5 blockade. For example, PNH patients can still face extravascular hemolysis or pharmacodynamic breakthrough of complement suppression during complement-amplifying conditions. These "side" effects of a stoichiometric inhibitor like eculizumab were unexpected and are incompatible with some of our accepted knowledge of the complement cascade. And they are not unique to C5 inhibition. Indeed, "exceptions" to the rules of complement biology abound and have led to unprecedented and surprising insights. In this review, we will describe initial, present and future aspects of protein inhibitors of the complement cascade, highlighting unexpected findings that are redefining some of the mechanistic foundations upon which the complement cascade is organized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Q. Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Richard J. H. Smith
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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27
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Boyer DD, Ko YP, Podos SD, Cartwright ME, Gao X, Wiles JA, Huang M. Danicopan, an Oral Complement Factor D Inhibitor, Exhibits High and Sustained Exposure in Ocular Tissues in Preclinical Studies. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:37. [DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.10.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ya-Ping Ko
- Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Xiang Gao
- Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Mingjun Huang
- Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, New Haven, CT, USA
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28
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Abidi M, Karrer E, Csaky K, Handa JT. A Clinical and Preclinical Assessment of Clinical Trials for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2022; 2:100213. [PMID: 36570624 PMCID: PMC9767821 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2022.100213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness for the elderly in high-income countries. Although multivitamin antioxidant nutrients can slow the progression of intermediate "dry" or nonneovascular AMD, no treatment can halt or reverse any stage of dry disease. Multiple biologic pathways have been implicated in AMD pathobiology, including the complement pathway. These pathways have been targeted by various approaches in clinical trials. To date, no treatment has reached their prespecified primary end point in 2 phase III trials, a requirement by the US Food and Drug Administration for a new drug approval. Here, we describe perspectives on the failures and possible successes of various clinical trials that will guide further investigation. These perspectives will also discuss clinical trial design issues to consider in future investigations, and how recent insights into AMD pathobiology might both provide additional explanation for trials not reaching the prespecified primary end points and offer direction for identifying prioritized treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Abidi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Erik Karrer
- Character Biosciences, Inc., San Carlos, California
| | - Karl Csaky
- Retina Institute of the Southwest, Dallas, Texas
| | - James T. Handa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland,Correspondence: James T. Handa, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, 400 N. Broadway, Smith 3015, Baltimore, MD 21287.
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29
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Fabre M, Mateo L, Lamaa D, Baillif S, Pagès G, Demange L, Ronco C, Benhida R. Recent Advances in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Therapies. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27165089. [PMID: 36014339 PMCID: PMC9414333 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was described for the first time in the 1840s and is currently the leading cause of blindness for patients over 65 years in Western Countries. This disease impacts the eye’s posterior segment and damages the macula, a retina section with high levels of photoreceptor cells and responsible for the central vision. Advanced AMD stages are divided into the atrophic (dry) form and the exudative (wet) form. Atrophic AMD consists in the progressive atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the outer retinal layers, while the exudative form results in the anarchic invasion by choroidal neo-vessels of RPE and the retina. This invasion is responsible for fluid accumulation in the intra/sub-retinal spaces and for a progressive dysfunction of the photoreceptor cells. To date, the few existing anti-AMD therapies may only delay or suspend its progression, without providing cure to patients. However, in the last decade, an outstanding number of research programs targeting its different aspects have been initiated by academics and industrials. This review aims to bring together the most recent advances and insights into the mechanisms underlying AMD pathogenicity and disease evolution, and to highlight the current hypotheses towards the development of new treatments, i.e., symptomatic vs. curative. The therapeutic options and drugs proposed to tackle these mechanisms are analyzed and critically compared. A particular emphasis has been given to the therapeutic agents currently tested in clinical trials, whose results have been carefully collected and discussed whenever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Fabre
- Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Lou Mateo
- Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Diana Lamaa
- CiTCoM, UMR 8038 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Paris Cité, 4, Avenue de l’Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Baillif
- Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital of Nice, 30 Avenue De La Voie Romaine, 06000 Nice, France
| | - Gilles Pagès
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging (IRCAN), UMR 7284 and INSERM U 1081, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice, France
| | - Luc Demange
- Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, 06108 Nice, France
- CiTCoM, UMR 8038 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Paris Cité, 4, Avenue de l’Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (L.D.); (C.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Cyril Ronco
- Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, 06108 Nice, France
- Correspondence: (L.D.); (C.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Rachid Benhida
- Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR 7272, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, 06108 Nice, France
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences-Green Process Engineering (CBS-GPE), Mohamed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Benguerir 43150, Morocco
- Correspondence: (L.D.); (C.R.); (R.B.)
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Targeting the Complement Cascade for Treatment of Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081884. [PMID: 36009430 PMCID: PMC9405256 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the elderly population. AMD is characterized in its late form by neovascularization (wet type) or geographic atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium cell layer (dry type). Regarding the latter type, there is growing evidence supporting an association between the pathophysiology of dry AMD and key proteins in the complement cascade. The complement cascade works as a central part of the innate immune system by defending against foreign pathogens and modified self-tissues. Through three distinct pathways, a series of plasma and membrane-associated serum proteins are activated upon identification of a foreign entity. Several of these proteins have been implicated in the development and progression of dry AMD. Potential therapeutic targets include C1q, C3, C5, complement factors (B, D, H, I), membrane attack complex, and properdin. In this review, we provide an understanding of the role of the complement system in dry AMD and discuss the emerging therapies in early phase clinical trials. The tentative hope is that these drugs may offer the potential to intervene at earlier stages in dry AMD pathogenesis, thereby preventing progression to late disease.
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Lin JB, Serghiou S, Miller JW, Vavvas DG. Systemic Complement Activation Profiles in Nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2022; 2:100118. [PMID: 35614900 PMCID: PMC9126439 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2022.100118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Topic To evaluate whether differences exist in systemic complement activation profiles in patients with early to intermediate nonexudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or geographic atrophy (GA) compared with control participants without AMD. Clinical Relevance Complement inhibition has emerged as a therapeutic strategy for GA, although clinical trials to date have yielded mixed results. Despite these efforts, no clear consensus exists regarding what portions of the complement pathway are dysregulated in AMD or when this dysregulation occurs relative to AMD stage. Although past studies have compared systemic complement activation profiles in patients with AMD versus in control participants without AMD, differences in AMD case definition and differing analytical approaches complicate their interpretation. Methods We performed a systematic review by identifying articles from database inception through October 11, 2020, that reported systemic complement activation profiles in patients with early or intermediate nonexudative AMD or GA versus control participants without AMD by searching PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa score. Results The 8 reviewed studies included 2131 independent participants. Most studies report significantly higher systemic levels of products associated with complement activation and significantly lower systemic levels of products associated with complement inhibition in patients with early and advanced nonexudative AMD compared with control participants without AMD. Discussion Evidence suggests that systemic complement overactivation is a feature of early or intermediate and advanced nonexudative AMD. However, given significant heterogeneity, these findings are not conclusive and warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan B. Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Joan W. Miller
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Demetrios G. Vavvas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Jones AV, MacGregor S, Han X, Francis J, Harris C, Kavanagh D, Lotery A, Waheed N. Evaluating a Causal Relationship between Complement Factor I Protein Level and Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration Using Mendelian Randomization. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2022; 2:100146. [PMID: 35693873 PMCID: PMC9186402 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2022.100146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Importance Risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AAMD) is associated with rare genetic variants in the gene encoding Complement factor I (CFI), which is associated with lower circulating CFI protein levels, but the nature of the relationship is unclear. Objective Can genetic factors be used to infer whether low circulating CFI is associated with AAMD risk? Design Two-sample inverse variance weighted Mendelian Randomisation (MR) was used to evaluate evidence for a relationship between CFI levels and AAMD risk, comparing CFI levels from genetically predefined subsets in AAMD and control cohorts. Setting Published genetic and proteomic data was combined with data from cohorts of Geographic Atrophy (GA) patients in a series of MR analyses. Participants We derived genetic instruments for systemic CFI level in 3,301 healthy European participants in the INTERVAL study. To evaluate a genetic causal odds ratio (OR) for the effect of CFI levels on AAMD risk, we used results from a genome-wide association study of 12,711 AAMD cases and 14,590 European controls from the International AMD Genomics Consortium (IAMDGC), and CFI levels from patients entered into the research studies SCOPE and SIGHT. Results We identified one common CFI variant rs7439493 which was strongly associated with low CFI level, explaining 4.8% of phenotypic variance. Using rs7439493 our MR analysis estimated that AAMD odds increased per standard deviation (SD) decrease in CFI level; OR 1.47 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30-1.65, P=2.1×10-10). We identified one rare variant (rs141853578 encoding p.Gly119Arg) which was genome-wide significantly associated with CFI levels after imputation; based on this, a 1 SD decrease in CFI leads to increased AAMD odds of 1.79 (95% CI 1.46-2.19, P=1.9×10-8). The rare variant rs141853578 explained a further 1.7% of phenotypic variance. To benchmark the effect of low CFI levels on AAMD odds using a CFI-specific proteomic assay, we estimated the effect using CFI levels from 24 rs141853578 positive GA patients; each 1 SD (3.5μg/mL) reduction in CFI was associated with 1.67 fold increased odds of AAMD (95% CI 1.40-2.00, P=1.85×10-8). Conclusion and relevance Excellent concordance in direction and effect size derived from rare and common variant calculations provide good genetic evidence for a potentially causal role of lower CFI level increasing AAMD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy V. Jones
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Ltd., London, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart MacGregor
- Statistical Genetics, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Xikun Han
- Statistical Genetics, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Claire Harris
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Ltd., London, United Kingdom
- Clinical & Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - David Kavanagh
- Clinical & Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Lotery
- Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Southampton Eye Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Nadia Waheed
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Ltd., London, United Kingdom
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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Rofagha S. Minimizing Risks to Patients by Improving Presentation of Clinical Trial Results in Geographic Atrophy Trials. Ophthalmol Retina 2022; 6:337-338. [PMID: 35525573 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2021.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Airaldi M, Corvi F, Cozzi M, Nittala MG, Staurenghi G, Sadda SR. Differences in long-term progression of atrophy between neovascular and non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Ophthalmol Retina 2022; 6:914-921. [PMID: 35460930 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2022.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare enlargement rates over 5 years of follow-up in geographic atrophy (GA) versus macular atrophy (MA) associated with macular neovascularization (MNV). DESIGN Retrospective, longitudinal comparative case series. PARTICIPANTS Consecutive series of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients with GA (dry) or MA with MNV. METHODS Atrophic regions on serial registered fundus autofluorescence (FAF) images were semiautomatically delineated and area measurements were recorded every 6±3 months for the first 2 years of follow-up and at yearly intervals up to 5 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Annual raw and square root transformed atrophy growth rates. RESULTS 117 eyes of 95 patients were included (61 in the GA and 56 in the MA cohort); 100% and 38.5% of eyes completed 2 and 5 years of follow-up, respectively. Mean baseline lesion size was similar between the two groups (raw: 1.74 vs. 1.53 mmˆ2, p = 0.56; sqrt transformed: 1.17 vs. 1.02 mm, p = 0.26). Overall enlargement rates were greater for the GA cohort (raw: 1.72 vs. 1.32 mmˆ2/year, p = 0.002; sqrt transformed: 0.41 vs. 0.33 mm/year; p = 0.03), as well as the area of atrophy growth at 5 years (raw: +8.06 vs. +4.55 mmˆ2, p = 0.001; sqrt transformed: +1.93 vs. +1.38 mm, p = 0.02). Estimated sqrt transformed area was also significantly greater for the GA cohort at 2 years (1.84 vs. 1.67 mm, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Presence of MNV was associated with a slower rate of expansion resulting in overall smaller areas of atrophy over time. These findings support the hypothesis that MNV may protect against the progression of atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Airaldi
- Eye Clinic, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science "Luigi Sacco", Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Corvi
- Eye Clinic, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science "Luigi Sacco", Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Doheny Eye Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Mariano Cozzi
- Eye Clinic, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science "Luigi Sacco", Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Staurenghi
- Eye Clinic, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science "Luigi Sacco", Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - SriniVas R Sadda
- Doheny Eye Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States.
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Velaga SB, Nittala MG, Hariri A, Sadda SR. Correlation between Fundus Autofluorescence and En Face Optical Coherence Tomography Measurements of Geographic Atrophy. Ophthalmol Retina 2022; 6:676-683. [PMID: 35338026 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2022.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the correlation between fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and en face spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) measurements of geographic atrophy (GA) associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). DESIGN Retrospective, cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS 270 eyes from 172 subjects with GA associated with AMD. METHODS Subjects with atrophic AMD with both fundus autofluorescence (FAF; Heidelberg HRA + Spectralis) and dense volume (128 B-scans over 6x6mm) spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT; Cirrus OCT) imaging were included in this retrospective analysis. The borders of all areas of definite decreased autofluorescence (DDAF) corresponding to GA were manually outlined on FAF images by certified graders at the Doheny Image Reading Center (DIRC) using validated planimetric grading tools. GA was also delineated automatically from en face OCT (at the level of the choroid) using instrument software (Cirrus v.6.2), and segmentation errors were manually corrected prior to computation of GA area. FAF and SDOCT derived measurements were correlated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Correlation between SD-OCT and FAF measurements of GA area. RESULTS The mean GA area measured from FAF images was 8.1 ± 5.04 mm2, compared with an automated, uncorrected SDOCT GA area of 6.82 ± 3.84 mm2. Despite the presence of apparent OCT segmentation errors, there was a significant correlation between FAF and uncorrected SDOCT measurements (r = 0.80; P < 0.001). Following manual correction of SDOCT GA segmentation errors, the measured GA area increased to 7.29 ± 4.18 mm2, and the correlation with the FAF-determined GA area significantly improved (r = 0.98; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS SDOCT-derived measurements of GA correlate well with areas of DDAF obtained from FAF images. Manual correction of SDOCT segmentation errors can further improve this correlation. These observations may support the use of SDOCT-based measurements of GA in clinical research and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetha Bindu Velaga
- Doheny Image Reading Center, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California; Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles
| | - Muneeswar G Nittala
- Doheny Image Reading Center, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California; Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles
| | - Amirhossein Hariri
- Doheny Image Reading Center, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California; Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles
| | - Srinivas R Sadda
- Doheny Image Reading Center, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California; Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles
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Pankova N, Baek DSH, Zhao X, Wang H, Reyad MM, Liang H, Joshi R, Boyd SR. Evolving Patterns of Hyperfluorescent Fundus Autofluorescence Accompany Retinal Atrophy in the Rat and Mimic Atrophic Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:3. [PMID: 35254423 PMCID: PMC8914569 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.3.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Complex two-dimensional (2D) patterns of hyperfluorescent short-wave fundus autofluorescence (FAF) at the border of geographic atrophy (GA) can predict its expansion in patients with late non-exudative “dry” AMD. However, preclinical models do not phenocopy this important feature of disease. We sought to describe the spatiotemporal changes in hyperfluorescent FAF patterns that occur following acute oxidative stress, potentially in association with GA expansion. Methods Sprague Dawley rats (n = 54) received systemic sodium iodate (25–45 mg/kg, n = 90 eyes) or saline (n = 18 eyes) and underwent serial full fundus imaging by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, including blue FAF and delayed near-infrared analysis. Composite images of the fundus were assembled, and the 2D patterns were described qualitatively and quantitatively. A subset of eyes underwent tissue analysis, and four underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Results Reproducibly changing, complex patterns of hyperfluorescent FAF emerge at the borders of toxin-induced damage; however, in the absence of GA expansion, they percolate inward within the region of retinal pigment epithelium loss, evolving, maturing, and senescing in situ over time. Unexpectedly, the late FAF patterns most closely resemble the diffuse tricking form of clinical disease. A five-stage classification system is presented. Conclusions Longitudinal, full-fundus imaging of outer retinal atrophy in the rat eye identifies evolving, complex patterns of hyperfluorescent FAF that phenocopy aspects of disease. Translational Relevance This work provides a novel tool to assess hyperfluorescent FAF in association with progressive retinal atrophy, a therapeutic target in late AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Pankova
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David Sung Hyeon Baek
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Xu Zhao
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hai Wang
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew-Mina Reyad
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Huiyuan Liang
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rahul Joshi
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shelley Romayne Boyd
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Exudative versus Nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Physiopathology and Treatment Options. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052592. [PMID: 35269743 PMCID: PMC8910030 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease typically associated with the aging and can be classified into two types—namely, the exudative and the nonexudative AMD. Currently available treatments for exudative AMD use intravitreal injections, which are associated with high risk of infection that can lead to endophthalmitis, while no successful treatments yet exist for the nonexudative form of AMD. In addition to the pharmacologic therapies administered by intravitreal injection already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in exudative AMD, there are some laser treatments approved that can be used in combination with the pharmacological therapies. In this review, we discuss the latest developments of treatment options for AMD. Relevant literature available from 1993 was used, which included original articles and reviews available in PubMed database and also information collected from Clinical Trials Gov website using “age-related macular degeneration” and “antiangiogenic therapies” as keywords. The clinical trials search was limited to ongoing trials from 2015 to date.
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Clare AJ, Liu J, Copland DA, Theodoropoulou S, Dick AD. Unravelling the therapeutic potential of IL-33 for atrophic AMD. Eye (Lond) 2022; 36:266-272. [PMID: 34531552 PMCID: PMC8807696 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01725-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a degenerative disease affecting the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors in the macula, is the leading cause of central blindness in the elderly. AMD progresses to advanced stages of the disease, atrophic AMD (aAMD), or in 15% of cases "wet" or neovascular AMD (nAMD), associated with substantial vision loss. Whilst there has been advancement in therapies treating nAMD, to date, there are no licenced effective treatments for the 85% affected by aAMD, with disease managed by changes to diet, vitamin supplements, and regular monitoring. AMD has a complex pathogenesis, involving highly integrated and common age-related disease pathways, including dysregulated complement/inflammation, impaired autophagy, and oxidative stress. The intricacy of AMD pathogenesis makes therapeutic development challenging and identifying a target that combats the converging disease pathways is essential to provide a globally effective treatment. Interleukin-33 is a cytokine, classically known for the proinflammatory role it plays in allergic disease. Recent evidence across degenerative and inflammatory disease conditions reveals a diverse immune-modulatory role for IL-33, with promising therapeutic potential. Here, we will review IL-33 function in disease and discuss the future potential for this homeostatic cytokine in treating AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison J. Clare
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jian Liu
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - David A. Copland
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sofia Theodoropoulou
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Andrew D. Dick
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK ,grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK ,grid.439257.e0000 0000 8726 5837NIHR Biomedical Research Centre of Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK ,grid.83440.3b0000000121901201UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
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Jones AV, Curtiss D, Harris C, Southerington T, Hautalahti M, Wihuri P, Mäkelä J, Kallionpää RE, Makkonen E, Knopp T, Mannermaa A, Mäkinen E, Moilanen AM, Tezel TH, Waheed NK. An assessment of prevalence of Type 1 CFI rare variants in European AMD, and why lack of broader genetic data hinders development of new treatments and healthcare access. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272260. [PMID: 36067162 PMCID: PMC9447915 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Advanced age-related macular degeneration (AAMD) risk is associated with rare complement Factor I (FI) genetic variants associated with low FI protein levels (termed 'Type 1'), but it is unclear how variant prevalences differ between AMD patients from different ethnicities. METHODS Collective prevalence of Type 1 CFI rare variant genotypes were examined in four European AAMD datasets. Collective minor allele frequencies (MAFs) were sourced from the natural history study SCOPE, the UK Biobank, the International AMD Genomics Consortium (IAMDGC), and the Finnish Biobank Cooperative (FINBB), and compared to paired control MAFs or background population prevalence rates from the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD). Due to a lack of available genetic data in non-European AAMD, power calculations were undertaken to estimate the AAMD population sizes required to identify statistically significant association between Type 1 CFI rare variants and disease risk in different ethnicities, using gnomAD populations as controls. RESULTS Type 1 CFI rare variants were enriched in all European AAMD cohorts, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging between 3.1 and 7.8, and a greater enrichment was observed in dry AMD from FINBB (OR 8.9, 95% CI 1.49-53.31). The lack of available non-European AAMD datasets prevented us exploring this relationship more globally, however a statistical association may be detectable by future sequencing studies that sample approximately 2,000 AAMD individuals from Ashkenazi Jewish and Latino/Admixed American ethnicities. CONCLUSIONS The relationship between Type 1 CFI rare variants increasing odds of AAMD are well established in Europeans, however the lack of broader genetic data in AAMD has adverse implications for clinical development and future commercialisation strategies of targeted FI therapies in AAMD. These findings emphasise the importance of generating more diverse genetic data in AAMD to improve equity of access to new treatments and address the bias in health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy V. Jones
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, London, United Kingdom
| | - Darin Curtiss
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Harris
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Southerington
- Finnish Biobank Cooperative–FINBB, Turku, Finland
- University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Pauli Wihuri
- Finnish Biobank Cooperative–FINBB, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Roosa E. Kallionpää
- Auria Biobank, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Theresa Knopp
- Helsinki Biobank, HUS, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Erna Mäkinen
- Biobank of Central Finland, Hospital Nova of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Anne-Mari Moilanen
- Biobank Borealis of Northern Finland, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tongalp H. Tezel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | | | - Nadia K. Waheed
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Khanani AM, Hershberger VS, Pieramici DJ, Khurana RN, Brunstein F, Ma L, Maass KF, Honigberg LA, Tom I, Chen H, Strauss EC, Lai P. Phase 1 Study of the Anti-HtrA1 Antibody-binding Fragment FHTR2163 in Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Age-related Macular Degeneration. Am J Ophthalmol 2021; 232:49-57. [PMID: 34214452 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2021.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE FHTR2163 is a novel antigen-binding fragment (Fab) directed against high-temperature requirement protein A1 (HtrA1). HTRA1 inhibition may preserve retinal integrity and slow disease progression in geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study examined the safety, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and changes in the HTRA1-specific substrate Dickkop-related protein 3 (DKK3) in patients with GA who received FHTR2163. DESIGN Phase I, open-label, single ascending dose escalation and multiple-dose expansion study. METHODS Adults aged ≥ 50 years with GA secondary to AMD with best corrected visual acuity ranging between Snellen 20/125 and 20/400 were enrolled. In the first stage, a single intravitreal injection of FHTR2163 was given in 5 dose-escalation cohorts ranging from 1 to 20 mg (n = 3 patients/cohort; n = 15 total patients). The second stage evaluated the maximum tested dose of 20 mg administered every 4 weeks for 3 doses (n = 13 patients). RESULTS No dose limiting toxicities or ocular serious AEs were reported. The most frequently reported AEs in the study eye were conjunctival hemorrhage (n = 7), conjunctival hyperemia (n = 4), and eye pain (n = 2). No non-ocular or ocular AEs were assessed as drug related. There were no clinically significant changes in ocular exams. A sustained pharmacodynamic effect of anti-HtrA1 was observed in the aqueous humor, as measured by levels of cleaved DKK3. CONCLUSIONS FHTR2163, a novel Fab directed against HtrA1, was well tolerated with no DLTs or significant ocular AEs. The molecule when injected intravitreally for 3 doses showed a sustained pharmacodynamic effect at the maximum tested dose of 20 mg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshad M Khanani
- Sierra Eye Associates, Reno, NV, USA, The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA.
| | | | | | - Rahul N Khurana
- Northern California Retina Vitreous Associates, Mountain View, CA, USA, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Ling Ma
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Irene Tom
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hao Chen
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Phillip Lai
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
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Shen LL, Sun M, Ahluwalia A, Park MM, Young BK, Del Priore LV. Local Progression Kinetics of Geographic Atrophy Depends Upon the Border Location. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:28. [PMID: 34709347 PMCID: PMC8558522 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.13.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess the influence of lesion morphology and location on geographic atrophy (GA) growth rate. Methods We manually delineated GA on color fundus photographs of 237 eyes in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. We calculated local border expansion rate (BER) as the linear distance that a point on the GA border traveled over 1 year based on a Euclidean distance map. Eye-specific BER was defined as the mean local BER of all points on the GA border in an eye. The percentage area affected by GA was defined as the GA area divided by the total retinal area in the region. Results GA enlarged 1.51 ± 1.96 mm2 in area and 0.13 ± 0.11 mm in distance over 1 year. The GA area growth rate (mm2/y) was associated with the baseline GA area (P < 0.001), perimeter (P < 0.001), lesion number (P < 0.001), and circularity index (P < 0.001); in contrast, eye-specific BER (mm/y) was not significantly associated with any of these factors. As the retinal eccentricity increased from 0 to 3.5 mm, the local BER increased from 0.10 to 0.24 mm/y (P < 0.001); in contrast, the percentage of area affected by GA decreased from 49.3% to 2.3%. Conclusions Using distance-based measurements allows GA progression evaluation without significant confounding effects from baseline GA morphology. Local GA progression rates increased as a function of retinal eccentricity within the macula which is opposite of the trend for GA distribution, suggesting that GA initiation and enlargement may be mediated by different biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangbo L Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Mengyuan Sun
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Gladstone Institute, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Aneesha Ahluwalia
- Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Michael M Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
| | - Benjamin K Young
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Lucian V Del Priore
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
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Csaky KG. Gene Therapy in the Treatment of Geographic Atrophy. Int Ophthalmol Clin 2021; 61:241-247. [PMID: 34584060 DOI: 10.1097/iio.0000000000000387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
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Barratt J, Weitz I. Complement Factor D as a Strategic Target for Regulating the Alternative Complement Pathway. Front Immunol 2021; 12:712572. [PMID: 34566967 PMCID: PMC8458797 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.712572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The complement system is central to first-line defense against invading pathogens. However, excessive complement activation and/or the loss of complement regulation contributes to the development of autoimmune diseases, systemic inflammation, and thrombosis. One of the three pathways of the complement system, the alternative complement pathway, plays a vital role in amplifying complement activation and pathway signaling. Complement factor D, a serine protease of this pathway that is required for the formation of C3 convertase, is the rate-limiting enzyme. In this review, we discuss the function of factor D within the alternative pathway and its implication in both healthy physiology and disease. Because the alternative pathway has a role in many diseases that are characterized by excessive or poorly mediated complement activation, this pathway is an enticing target for effective therapeutic intervention. Nonetheless, although the underlying disease mechanisms of many of these complement-driven diseases are quite well understood, some of the diseases have limited treatment options or no approved treatments at all. Therefore, in this review we explore factor D as a strategic target for advancing therapeutic control of pathological complement activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Barratt
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Ilene Weitz
- Jane Anne Nohl Division of Hematology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Complement Inhibitors in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Potential Therapeutic Option. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:9945725. [PMID: 34368372 PMCID: PMC8346298 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9945725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial disease, which can culminate in irreversible vision loss and blindness in elderly. Nowadays, there is a big gap between dry AMD and wet AMD on treatment. Accounting for nearly 90% of AMD, dry AMD still lacks effective treatment. Numerous genetic and molecular researches have confirmed the significant role of the complement system in the pathogenesis of AMD, leading to a deeper exploration of complement inhibitors in the treatment of AMD. To date, at least 14 different complement inhibitors have been or are being explored in AMD in almost 40 clinical trials. While most complement inhibitors fail to treat AMD successfully, two of them are effective in inhibiting the rate of GA progression in phase II clinical trials, and both of them successfully entered phase III trials. Furthermore, recently emerging complement gene therapy and combination therapy also offer new opportunities to treat AMD in the future. In this review, we aim to introduce genetic and molecular associations between the complement system and AMD, provide the updated progress in complement inhibitors in AMD on clinical trials, and discuss the challenges and prospects of complement therapeutic strategies in AMD.
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Lin JB, Halawa OA, Miller JW, Vavvas DG. Complement Inhibition for Geographic Atrophy: A Tempting Target with Mixed Results. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10132890. [PMID: 34209660 PMCID: PMC8267692 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in older adults. One of the strongest genetic risk factors for AMD is a complement factor H (CFH) gene polymorphism characterized by a tyrosine-histidine change at amino acid position 402 (Y402H). The magnitude of this association between the Y402H variant and AMD is among the strongest that has been identified for any complex, multifactorial human disease. This strong association has motivated researchers to investigate a potential link between various elements of the complement pathway and AMD pathogenesis. Given the possible contribution of complement dysregulation to AMD, complement inhibition has emerged as a therapeutic strategy for slowing geographic atrophy (GA). Randomized clinical trials thus far have yielded mixed results. In this article, we provide the historical context for complement inhibition as a strategy for treating GA, discuss potential advantages and disadvantages of complement inhibition, and highlight the questions that must be addressed before complement inhibition can take center stage as a therapy for AMD.
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Park YG, Park YS, Kim IB. Complement System and Potential Therapeutics in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136851. [PMID: 34202223 PMCID: PMC8269056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex multifactorial disease characterized in its late form by neovascularization (wet type) or geographic atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium cell layer (dry type). The complement system is an intrinsic component of innate immunity. There has been growing evidence that the complement system plays an integral role in maintaining immune surveillance and homeostasis in AMD. Based on the association between the genotypes of complement variants and AMD occurrence and the presence of complement in drusen from AMD patients, the complement system has become a therapeutic target for AMD. However, the mechanism of complement disease propagation in AMD has not been fully understood. This concise review focuses on an overall understanding of the role of the complement system in AMD and its ongoing clinical trials. It provides further insights into a strategy for the treatment of AMD targeting the complement system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Gun Park
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea;
| | - Yong Soo Park
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea;
| | - In-Beom Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea;
- Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Catholic Institute for Applied Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2258-7263
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Chinchilla B, Foltopoulou P, Fernandez-Godino R. Tick-over-mediated complement activation is sufficient to cause basal deposit formation in cell-based models of macular degeneration. J Pathol 2021; 255:120-131. [PMID: 34155630 DOI: 10.1002/path.5747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite numerous unsuccessful clinical trials for anti-complement drugs to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the complement system has not been fully explored as a target to stop drusen growth in patients with dry AMD. We propose that the resilient autoactivation of C3 by hydrolysis of its internal thioester (tick-over), which cannot be prevented by existing drugs, plays a critical role in the formation of drusenoid deposits underneath the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). We have combined gene editing tools with stem cell technology to generate cell-based models that allow the role of the tick-over in sub-RPE deposit formation to be studied. The results demonstrate that structurally or genetically driven pathological events affecting the RPE and Bruch's membrane can lead to dysregulation of the tick-over, which is sufficient to stimulate the formation of sub-RPE deposits. This can be prevented with therapies that downregulate C3 expression. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Chinchilla
- The Ocular Genomics Institute at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Parthena Foltopoulou
- The Ocular Genomics Institute at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rosario Fernandez-Godino
- The Ocular Genomics Institute at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Halawa OA, Lin JB, Miller JW, Vavvas DG. A Review of Completed and Ongoing Complement Inhibitor Trials for Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10122580. [PMID: 34208067 PMCID: PMC8230644 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness among older adults in the Western world. While therapies exist for patients with exudative AMD, there are currently no approved therapies for non-exudative AMD and its advanced form of geographic atrophy (GA). The discovery of genetic variants in complement protein loci with increased susceptibility to AMD has led to the investigation of the role of complement inhibition in AMD with a focus on GA. Here, we review completed and ongoing clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of these studies. Overall, complement inhibition in GA has yielded mixed results. The inhibition of complement factor D has failed pivotal phase 3 trials. Studies of C3 and C5 inhibition meeting their primary endpoint are limited by high rates of discontinuation and withdrawal in the treatment arm and higher risks of conversion to exudative AMD. Studies evaluating other complement members (CFB, CFH, CFI and inhibitors of membrane attack complex—CD59) are ongoing and could offer other viable strategies.
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Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (AON) are synthetic single-stranded fragments of nucleic acids that bind to a specific complementary messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence and change the final gene product. AON were initially approved for treating cytomegalovirus retinitis and have shown promise in treating Mendelian systemic disease. AON are currently being investigated as a treatment modality for many ophthalmic diseases, including inherited retinal disorders (IRD), inflammatory response and wound healing after glaucoma surgery, and macular degeneration. They provide a possible solution to gene therapy for IRD that are not candidates for adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery. This chapter outlines the historical background of AON and reviews clinical applications and ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Ferenchak
- Inherited Retinal Disorders Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Iris Deitch
- Inherited Retinal Disorders Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rachel Huckfeldt
- Inherited Retinal Disorders Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Mahmoudzadeh R, Hinkle JW, Hsu J, Garg SJ. Emerging treatments for geographic atrophy in age-related macular degeneration. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2021; 32:294-300. [PMID: 33630787 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000000746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review describes therapeutic research programs for geographic atrophy (GA) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We highlight clinical trial data from phase I, II, and III studies. RECENT FINDINGS There are currently no treatments for GA, a form of advanced AMD that causes significant visual morbidity. Currently, therapeutic candidates are being developed to delay further progression of GA or even attempt to reverse some of the damage. The approaches to therapy range from molecular targets to cell transplantation. Studies of these novel treatment approaches have demonstrated varying degrees of success. The progress in understanding the disease pathophysiology as well as clinical trial data is reviewed. SUMMARY There are promising new treatments to prevent GA progression as well as some that may reverse the disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raziyeh Mahmoudzadeh
- Wills Eye Hospital, Mid Atlantic Retina, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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