Ocular Therapeutix’s Axpaxli Shows Promise in Macular Degeneration Trial | STAT News
- A new experimental treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), called Axpaxli, has demonstrated promising results in a late-stage clinical trial, maintaining vision with less frequent injections compared...
- Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels leak fluid and blood into the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision.
- The Phase 3 study evaluated Axpaxli, a sustained-release implant, against Eylea.
A new experimental treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), called Axpaxli, has demonstrated promising results in a late-stage clinical trial, maintaining vision with less frequent injections compared to the current standard of care, Eylea. The findings, released by Ocular Therapeutix on , represent a potential advancement in the treatment of this common cause of vision loss.
Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels leak fluid and blood into the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Current treatment typically involves regular injections of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) drugs, like Eylea, into the eye to suppress the growth of these abnormal vessels. However, these injections are often required monthly or every other month, posing a burden for patients and healthcare systems.
The Phase 3 study evaluated Axpaxli, a sustained-release implant, against Eylea. The results showed that 74% of patients receiving a single Axpaxli injection maintained their vision for nine months without needing further treatment, compared to 56% of those treated with Eylea. At the one-year mark, 66% of Axpaxli patients maintained their vision versus 44% of those on Eylea. These findings suggest Axpaxli could significantly reduce the frequency of injections needed to manage wet AMD.
However, the difference in durability between the two treatments was somewhat smaller than some investors anticipated. This nuance has sparked discussion regarding Axpaxli’s potential commercial success in a market already populated with effective therapies. The study’s design, which may not fully reflect real-world clinical practice, is also a point of consideration. As noted in a report, the study’s parameters might not fully capture the complexities of treating patients with varying degrees of disease severity, as often encountered in clinical settings.
The need for improved treatment options for wet AMD is substantial. Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, and the wet form is particularly aggressive. While existing anti-VEGF therapies have revolutionized treatment, the frequent injection schedule remains a significant challenge. A treatment that could reduce this burden would represent a substantial benefit for patients.
Ocular Therapeutix has been working to develop more durable eye treatments for some time. The company underwent a “leadership update” in , bringing in new executives and retinal experts to bolster its efforts in degenerative eye diseases. This restructuring signaled a renewed focus on bringing innovative therapies to market.
The results of the Axpaxli trial are a step forward in this pursuit. While further analysis and real-world data will be crucial to fully assess its impact, the potential for less frequent injections offers a promising prospect for individuals living with wet AMD. The coming months will be critical as Ocular Therapeutix navigates the regulatory process and prepares for potential market launch, facing a “looming test” of Axpaxli’s durability and commercial viability.
It’s important to remember that this research is ongoing, and individual responses to treatment can vary. Patients currently undergoing treatment for wet AMD should continue to follow their physician’s recommendations and discuss any concerns or questions they may have.