Retina Associates of Cleveland is part of the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network (DRCR.net), a national network of retinal specialists working together to facilitate clinical research on diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, and associated conditions. The DRCR.net is funded by the National Eye Institute, which is part of the National Institutes of Health.
Currently, there is one enrolling DRCR.net research study, which is evaluating treatments for diabetic macular edema, a swelling of the macula, which is the small central part of the retina used for sharp, straight-ahead vision.
The Intravitreal Ranibizumab or Triamcinolone Acetonide in Combination with Laser Photocoagulation for Diabetic Macular Edema is comparing laser treatment alone with laser treatment in combination with one of two drugs. One is Lucentis (ranibizumab), a drug that acts to prevent the growth of new blood vessels and one that that been approved by the FDA for use in another eye disease, age-related macular degeneration. The other is triamcinolone, a therapeutic steroid that is widely used in treating eye diseases. Both drugs are injected into the eye.
Additional information may be found at www.drcr.net.
Another study, RIDE (Ranibizumab In Diabetic Edema), is assessing the use of Lucentis (ranibizumab; see above) in people with clinically significant diabetic macular edema with involvement of the center of the macula. This study is sponsored by Genentech, Inc.
Another ongoing study at Retina Associates of Cleveland is the PKC Beta Inhibitor Study. This study, sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company, is evaluating an investigational medication to treat diabetic macular edema. Study participants will take either an investigational drug or a placebo tablet once daily for 3 years.
We are also performing a study of the Dexamethasone Posterior Segment Drug Delivery System (DEX DDS) applicator system in combination with laser photocoagulation compared with laser photocoagulation alone in the treatment of diabetic macular edema. The DEX DDS is a tiny implant that is placed inside the eye and slowly releases dexamethasone, a therapeutic steroid. This clinical research study is sponsored by Allergan.
To be eligible for these, you must be 18 years of age or older, have either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, have met diagnostic criteria for diabetic macular edema, and not be pregnant or intend to become pregnant during the study. Each study also has other criteria for entry.
For information please contact the research coordinator,
Diane Weiss at 216-831-5704 ext. 297.
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