May 18, 2017

Wolfe Physicians Participate in LADDER Clinical Trial

Wolfe Eye Clinic is currently involved in research to investigate ways to possibly reduce the treatment burden for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 

Wolfe Eye Clinic Retina Specialists, Dr. Jared Nielsen, Dr. David Saggau and Dr. Kyle Alliman, are taking part in the LADDER trial (Long-Acting Delivery of Ranibizumab). The phase 2 clinical trial is a 316-patient study to assess the effectiveness and safety of a treatment for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). One of the therapies known to treat wet AMD is Lucentis (ranibizumab injection). As part of the trial, Dr. Nielsen recently implanted the first intraocular port delivery system in Iowa for the sustained delivery of Lucentis. Researchers will assess whether this refillable implant may reduce the burden of frequent injections and multiple office visits, and provide patients with the maximum benefits of treatment with Lucentis.

Patients with wet AMD experience blind or blurry spots in their central vision as abnormal blood vessels behind the retina begin to grow under the macula. The cause of AMD is not completely known, but the greatest risk factor is increasing age. Other factors that increase the risk include smoking, diet, weight and race-Caucasians are much more likely to lose vision from AMD than any other race, according to the National Institutes of Health. Currently, there is no cure for wet AMD, however some treatments may halt the eye disease progression and allow for some gain in visual acuity.