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The effect of a growth hormone receptor antagonist drug on proliferative diabetic retinopathy

    Ophthalmology
    |December 26, 2001
    PubMed
    Abstract

    Insights

    Pegvisomant did not regress diabetic retinal neovascularization in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The drug did not alter neovascularization extent, though it reduced IGF-I levels during treatment.

    Area of Science:

    • Ophthalmology
    • Endocrinology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness.
    • Neovascularization is a hallmark of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
    • Growth hormone receptor antagonists are being explored for therapeutic potential.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the efficacy of pegvisomant in regressing diabetic retinal neovascularization.
    • To evaluate the safety and tolerability of pegvisomant in this patient population.

    Main Methods:

    • A prospective, open-label, phase IIa multicenter trial.
    • 25 patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and proliferative diabetic retinopathy were enrolled.
    • Patients received pegvisomant (100 mg loading dose, then 20 mg daily) for 12 weeks, followed by a 12-week observation period.

    Main Results:

    • No regression of diabetic retinopathy was observed in any patient.
    • Neovascularization remained unchanged in 16 patients and progressed in 9 patients.
    • Pegvisomant significantly reduced serum IGF-I levels by an average of 55% during treatment, with levels returning to baseline post-treatment.

    Conclusions:

    • Pegvisomant did not demonstrate efficacy in regressing diabetic retinal neovascularization.
    • Further research is needed to explore the role of growth hormone signaling in diabetic retinopathy.

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