Bayer HealthCare reports positive data from DMO drug trial

Bayer HealthCare and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals have announced positive data from a new study assessing their drug VEGF Trap-Eye as a means of treating diabetic macular oedema (DMO).

The phase III Vista-DME trial demonstrated that the injection-based aflibercept solution therapy delivered sustained improvement in best-corrected visual acuity in two different dosing regimens, when compared to laser photocoagulation. 

VEGF Trap-Eye was also shown to be generally well tolerated with a similar overall incidence of adverse events to the laser control group. These positive findings will support efforts to attain global regulatory approval of the drug in this new indication.

Currently, the product is available in Europe under the name Eylea for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and visual impairment due to macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion.

Dr Jorg Moller, member of the Bayer HealthCare executive committee and head of global development, said: "The two-year data confirms the safety and efficacy of VEGF Trap-Eye in treating DMO and we look forward to hopefully offer this new treatment option for DMO patients soon."

Bayer and Regeneron also recently agreed to develop a new AMD therapy for use as a potential combination therapy with Eylea.