Positive topline Phase 3 data for presbyopia drop

Corxel Pharmaceuticals and LENZ Therapeutics announced positive data from their Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating LNZ100 in patients (n=300) with presbyopia in China. According to the companies’ press release, this 1.75% aceclidine HCl drop had a statistically significant three-line or greater improvement in BCVA at near and maintained distance visual acuity, achieving its primary and secondary endpoints. Most patients achieved two lines (84%) and three lines (69%) of improvement or more within 30 minutes. This effect was sustained overall at 3 hours post-treatment, with 88% achieving two lines of improvement and 74% three lines or greater of improvement. At 10 hours, 61% of patients maintained a two-line improvement and 30% a three-line or greater improvement.

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Topline results for oral therapy targeting geographic atrophy

Alkeus Pharmaceuticals announced positive topline results for oral gildeuretinol for treatment of geographic atrophy. In a press release, the company reported that it showed a statistically significant reduction (15.3%) in lesion growth rate between 6–24 months, a clinically meaningful reduction in lesion growth rate (13.4%) from baseline to 24 months, and a functional benefit in low luminance visual acuity over 24 months. The company reported that gildeuretinol showed a favorable safety and tolerability profile, with 11% of patients in the treatment group experiencing adverse events compared to 44% in the placebo group.

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Positive topline results from Phase 2 sustained-delivery drug for DME

EyePoint Pharmaceuticals announced positive Phase 2 interim data (16 weeks) from its clinical trial evaluating DURAVYU, vorolanib in the bioerodible Durasert E for sustained drug delivery, in patients with diabetic macular edema. The 2.7 mg drug dose showed an early, sustained, and clinically meaningful improvement in BCVA, according to the company’s press release, compared to control (aflibercept). The company also reported sustained anatomical improvement. Full topline results are expected in the first quarter of 2025.

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Study assesses new virtual reality simulator for phaco

A study published in the journal Nature assessed the HelpMeSee virtual reality simulator for phacoemulsification. The study included 20 surgeons who were divided into two groups based on their experience (expert or intermediate). The surgeons completed a survey based on their prior experience with phaco and with simulators and had a session with the EyeSi and HelpMeSee simulators. According to the paper, the primary outcome was “to assess the construct validity of [HelpMeSee] simulator based on the difference in total and modules scores between both groups.” There was a significant performance difference between the two groups, with experts scoring higher with both simulators. The experts had significantly less grip fatigue after the simulation exercise on the HelpMeSee simulator, compared to intermediate surgeons. The paper stated that the research “evaluates validity evidence of HMS’s phacoemulsification modules for the first time” and “emphasizes the potential to broaden simulation-based training by targeting diverse populations.”

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ASCRS news and events

• 2025 ASCRS Annual Meeting: Registration is now open for the ASCRS Annual Meeting, taking place April 25–28, in Los Angeles, California.
• ASCRS Live!: This educational dinner series is heading to several cities across the U.S. in 2024. Registration is open for the events in San Diego, California, on November 7 and Charlotte, North Carolina, on November 14.
• ASCRS Foundation: Nominations are due November 8 for the Resident Excellence Award, which awards 10 exemplary residents a travel grant, 4 nights’ accommodation, complimentary registration, and invitations to leadership and social events at the 2025 ASCRS Annual Meeting.
• ASCRS 50th anniversary: ASCRS members from the 50 states are sending in their perspectives on the Society, its impact on their career, and its influence on the specialty as a whole. Stay tuned each week through April 2025 for a new video.

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Research highlights

• A retrospective, cross-sectional study published in the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery compared complications and outcomes of YAG laser anterior capsulotomy vs. needle aspiration for creating a capsulorhexis in patients with intumescent cataracts. Patients with intumescent cataracts were divided into two groups (37 had YAG laser capsulotomy and 31 needle aspiration with a gradually expanded capsule). According to the authors, those in the needle aspiration group had more complications, such as capsule tear (four instances), than the YAG group (no instances). They also noted a significant decrease in surgical maneuvers and time in the YAG group, but there was no difference in effective phacoemulsification time.
• A retrospective case series published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology evaluated the incidence of cataract formation (or worsening) in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) who were treated with fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitors (FGFRi). According to the paper, 18 patients were included in the study (median age was 54 and most [13] were female). Of these patients, 9 developed cataracts or had cataract progression in at least one after the FGFRi treatment. The authors reported that 17 eyes had cataracts, 8 of which went on to need cataract surgery. The median time to cataract development or worsening after starting treatment was 18 months. Five of the 9 patients who had cataracts after the treatment were diagnosed with new or worsening cataracts after stopping the therapy. The authors reported that patients who developed cataracts had a longer median duration of FGFRi treatment compared to those who didn’t develop cataracts. The authors noted that this case series doesn’t prove cause and effect, but rather “highlights cataract formation or progression as a potential adverse effect of FGFRi therapy, supporting consideration of periodic eye examinations in patients who have received this treatment.”

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