Novartis presents ophthalmology innovations at EURETINA

Novartis has shared the findings of its latest ophthalmology research at the EURETINA congress in London, which took place from September 11th to 14th.

The event, organised by the European Society of Retina Specialists, saw the company present more than 40 abstracts, including the latest research on drugs like Lucentis and Jetrea, plus new surgical retina products.

A retrospective analysis of US claims data showed that the risk of endophthalmitis is 65 percent lower in patients treated with Lucentis than an alternative therapy, while further presentations outlined the safety of Jetrea in clinical practice and the importance of appropriate patient selection.

The congress also gave Novartis' subsidiary Alcon the opportunity to introduce a new array of vitreoretinal surgical products designed to treat retinal disease and improve patient outcomes.

Vasant Narasimhan, global head of development of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, said: "The new Lucentis data at EURETINA supports its well-characterised and long-established safety profile and provides further support for its role as the only anti-VEGF therapy licensed for five ocular indications."

This comes after the firm also shared data on a number of new therapies at the European Respiratory Society congress in Munich last week.