Within the United States, uveitis is considered a leading reason for preventable blindness. As the uveitis progresses, patients may also develop complications such as uveitic glaucoma. But this can be difficult to treat. Physicians must address both uveitis and glaucoma: inflammation and extra pressure. Now, researchers are looking to provide safe, effective treatment for patients with active non-infectious anterior uveitis, including uveitic glaucoma, within the Phase 3 TRS4VISION clinical trial. According to a news release from pharmaceutical company Tarsier Pharma, the first patient was randomized for treatment with TRS01 eye drops.
TRS01 Eye Drops
According to Tarsier Pharma, TRS01 eye drops are part are the TRS breakthrough platform technology, which:
approaches inflammatory diseases from within the immune system. We are implementing a patented, proprietary new molecule which was developed to ‘re-engineer’ the immune system [and which we] believe…will provide patients with a safe and long-lasting therapeutic effect, with the goal of saving their sight.
This immunomodulating treatment is administered via eye drops. Currently, steroids are the only available standard-of-care for patients with uveitic glaucoma. Thus, if TRS01 is later implemented, it could fulfill an unmet need within this patient population.
In Phase 1/2 clinical trials, researchers found that TRS01 was both safe and well-tolerated. Additionally, the treatment provided pain relief and also reduced symptoms associated with uveitis. Moving forward, Tarsier Pharma will evaluate TRS01 within the TRS4VISION clinical trial. Altogether, 162 patients will enroll.
Uveitis
Uveitis refers to uveal inflammation; the uveal is the middle layer of the eye which provides protection and blood supply. When inflammation occurs, it can affect one or both eyes. Uveitis can be considered anterior (affecting the front of the eye), intermediate (affecting the ciliary body), posterior (affecting the retina or optic nerve), or pan-uveitis (affecting all parts of the eye). Anterior uveitis is the most common form, while posterior uveitis is the rarest, and may cause permanent vision loss.
There are also multiple potential causes of uveitis. For example, eye injury or surgery, toxin exposure, autoimmune or inflammatory disorders, or infection may all cause uveitis. Symptoms include:
- Eye pain and redness
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- “Floaters” in your vision
- Vision loss
If you are experiencing these symptoms, please contact or visit your ophthalmologist immediately. Learn more about uveitis here.
Glaucoma
An estimated 20% of patients with uveitis later develop uveitic glaucoma, or glaucoma caused directly or indirectly by uveitis. Glaucoma refers to a group of conditions characterized by progressive optic nerve damage, often associated with intraocular pressure. As pressure rises, the optic nerve becomes damaged. Since the optic nerve transmits light and images to the brain, damage causes progressive and sometimes permanent vision loss. Symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Headache
- Eye pain
- Loss of peripheral vision
