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Updated: May 21, 2026
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Intravitreal Injections in the Ovine Eye
Published on: July 5, 2022
Intravitreal pegfilgrastim for indirect traumatic optic neuropathy: a first-in-human phase 1/2a study
Chin-Te Huang1,2,3, Yao-Tseng Wen1, Pei-Kang Liu1,4,5
1Institute of Eye Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, 970473, Taiwan.
Summary
Intravitreal pegfilgrastim injections show promise for treating indirect traumatic optic neuropathy (TON), a condition causing severe vision loss. This early study found the treatment safe and observed potential vision improvements in some patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Indirect traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) leads to significant vision loss.
- Currently, no established treatments exist for indirect TON.
- Investigating novel therapeutic approaches is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety of intravitreal pegfilgrastim in indirect TON patients.
- To explore the functional outcomes of this novel treatment.
- To establish proof-of-concept for pegfilgrastim as a potential TON therapy.
Main Methods:
- A single-center, open-label, phase 1/2a study was conducted.
- Twelve adult patients with acute indirect TON received one intravitreal pegfilgrastim injection.
- Outcomes included safety monitoring and functional assessments (BCVA, visual fields, RNFL, VEP) over 3 months.
Main Results:
- The treatment was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events.
- Transient leukocytosis was observed but resolved spontaneously.
- Improvements in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and visual field mean deviation were noted in some participants.
Conclusions:
- Intravitreal pegfilgrastim is a feasible and safe treatment for indirect TON in this initial study.
- Exploratory functional improvements suggest therapeutic potential.
- Further controlled trials are necessary to validate efficacy against the disease's natural course.
