Bayer HealthCare reports positive VEGF Trap-Eye trial data

Bayer HealthCare has reported positive data from two trials assessing the benefits of its drug VEGF Trap-Eye in the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DMO).

Data from the Vivid-DME and Vista-DME trials showed VEGF Trap-Eye delivered significantly greater improvements in best-corrected visual acuity from baseline compared to laser photocoagulation at 52 weeks, both when dosed monthly and every two months.

Both treatment arms met the primary efficacy endpoints of the trials and showed that the drug was well-tolerated by patients.

VEGF Trap-Eye has been approved in both the US and Europe under the name Eylea and has been developed via a collaboration between Bayer HealthCare and Regeneron.

Dr Kemal Malik, member of the Bayer HealthCare executive committee and head of global development, said: "We look forward to being able to offer medical benefit to patients with this new treatment option for DMO."

This comes after the firm announced a new cancer research alliance with Compugen earlier this week.