Nonsteroidal shows positive results in posterior uveitis

Santen Inc. reports that a global phase 3 study analyzing the efficacy and safety of intravitreal injections of sirolimus for noninfectious posterior segment uveitis has met its primary endpoint.

The company says its Study Assessing Double‐Masked Uveitis Treatment (SAKURA), achieved a predetermined number of patients with a vitreous haze score of zero at five months, according to the release.

"We are excited by the SAKURA data and believe sirolimus may provide physicians with the first nonsteroidal intravitreal treatment option for their patients suffering with noninfectious posterior segment uveitis,” said Naveed Shams, MD, PhD, Santen’s chief scientific officer, president and CEO.

Sirolimus is an mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) that suppresses cytokine-driven T-cell proliferation and inhibits the production, signaling and activity of many growth factors that lead to intraocular inflammation.