Bayer and Regeneron start Ph III trial to extend ophthalmology R&D program for VEGF Trap-Eye in Asia

USA-based Regeneron (Nasdaq REGN) and German drugs and chemicals major Bayer (BAY: DE) have initiated a new Phase III clinical trial in collaboration with the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) investigating the efficacy and safety of VEGF Trap-Eye (aflibercept ophthalmic solution) in patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) of the retina as a result of pathologic myopia. The trial has started in Japan and other Asian countries, including China, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan.

Myopia is one of the most common eye conditions and is highly prevalent in Asian populations, including Singapore where 40% of adults have myopia and nearly 10% have high myopia. Myopic CNV is a complication of high myopia where abnormal blood vessels grow and leak blood and fluid into the retina as a result of degenerative changes in the retinal lining of the eye and is a potentially blinding condition. Currently, there is no well-established treatment for myopic CNV. VEGF Trap-Eye has previously met its primary efficacy endpoint in a Phase III trial for neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Collaboration with SERI