Suprachoroidal injection of triamcinolone shows promise in uveitis

Clearside Biomedical announced that a special formulation of triamcinolone acetonide injected into the suprachoroidal space using its microinjector showed good outcomes in patients with macular edema associated with non-infectious uveitis.

The single-use microinjector is designed to administer the drug into the suprachoroidal space in volumes similar to the amount of drug commonly used in an intravitreal injection. The company believes that delivering triamcinolone more directly to the choroid and retina allows access to the posterior segment while limiting exposure, and potential side effects, to the anterior segment, as well as possibly reducing the frequency of injection and faster onset of therapeutic effect.

In the masked, randomized phase 2 clinical trial, the suprachoroidal injection significantly improved central subfield thickness (P=0.0018) and BCVA (P=0.0004) in 22 patients after 8 weeks. There were no serious side effects.

The company recently enrolled its first patient in a phase 3 clinical trial for treatment of macular edema associated with non-infectious uveitis. It is expected to conclude in July 2017.