Aganirsen as a Therapeutic Alternative for Modulating Corneal Neovascularization: A Real-World Case Series Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Molecular Biology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Corneal neovascularization (CoNV) is a significant barrier to successful corneal transplantation.
• Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) plays a role in neovascularization pathways.
• Antisense oligonucleotides offer a targeted approach to modulate gene expression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical efficacy of aganirsen in reducing CoNV.
• To assess the impact of aganirsen on corneal transplantation outcomes.
• To investigate the safety profile of aganirsen in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study involving 65 patients scheduled for corneal transplantation.
• Aganirsen (0.86 mg/mL) administered as 1 drop twice daily, 1 week preoperatively and for at least 3 months postoperatively.
• Qualitative assessment of neovascularization via slit-lamp examination.

Main Results:

• 100% of patients showed a reduction in corneal neovascularization after 3 months of aganirsen treatment.
• Aganirsen treatment obviated the need for graft surgery in 4.6% of patients.
• Corneal transplantation failure occurred in 8.1% of patients, with specific diagnoses noted.

Conclusions:

• Aganirsen demonstrates significant clinical benefits in modulating neovascularization, supporting its use in corneal transplantation.
• Real-world data confirm aganirsen's efficacy in reducing CoNV.
• Optimizing treatment duration may further enhance corneal transplantation outcomes.