LEP Biomedical’s Post

👁️ 𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐚 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 👁️ Following on from last weeks post about surgical and laser solutions for #glaucoma treatment, here are my featured technologies focused on drug release. It seems to be a common conversation in the market that drops aren't going anywhere, the solutions being used work at IOP lowering so the innovation will come from more effective and efficient methods of delivering pharmaceuticals to the eye. The iDose TR from Glaukos Corporation is an FDA approved, travoprost intracameral implant and it is 200 times smaller than a single drop of glaucoma medication. The anchored implant is designed to deliver drug therapy to the anterior chamber with 24/7 adherence to lower IOP without the burden of regular eye drops. 81% of patients have been shown to be completely free of the need for topical treatments after 12 months. SpyGlass Pharma, Inc. are taking an IOL mounted approach with the development of their drug-eluting pads combined with a single piece hydrophobic IOL implanted during routine cataract surgery. The drug-eluting pads then provide sustained release of bimatoprost over a 3 year period to provide IOP control without the need for drops. The Spyglass delivery platform is not yet approved by the FDA and the company is investigating the technologies uses for delivering other ophthalmic solutions. LEP Biomedical aim to make glaucoma drainage surgery 100% successful by improving patient recovery. The HyaGuard is designed to be inserted into the sub-conjunctival space to deliver controlled release of anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate the need for self administered drops and therefore reducing the need for follow-up procedures.

It is estimated that over 3 million cataract surgeries are performed in the US each year (13.5 million globally.) The average cost of cataract surgery ranges from $1,808 to $2,866 per eye with insurance or Medicare coverage, while out-of-pocket expenses can be between $3,000 and $6,000 per eye without insurance. Post-operative capsular opacification requiring further surgery occurs within months to years for 20-30% of patients. Do the math. Eye drops containing n-acetyl l-carnosine and/or lanosterol have been studied for almost 20 years to treat or reverse cataracts. Cost? About $12 a month for an initial 2 month treatment of three drops per eye per day and then monthly followup of 1 drop per eye per day depending on formulation. The lanosterol study in my opinion needs much more study. A review of l-carnosine papers reveals that the l-carnosine can only be delivered effectively using n-acetyl l-carnosine. https://lnkd.in/eYT3gwfJ Within a week of my starting treatment with a 2% solution a difference was noticed, and a month later the difference, pardon the pun, was quite clear. As l-carnosine is a natural interocular dipeptide there won't be any post-operative capsular opacification. This is not to be considered medical advice.

🚨 Breakthrough in Cataract Surgery Sedation: MELT-300 Trial Delivers Positive Results Melt Pharmaceuticals has announced promising results from the pivotal Phase 3 trial of MELT-300, a novel non-IV, non-opioid sedation tablet designed for cataract surgery. “MELT-300 has the potential to revolutionize sedation for cataract surgeries, eliminating the need for IVs and opioids,” said Larry Dillaha, MD, CEO of Melt Pharmaceuticals. With over 5 million cataract surgeries performed annually in the U.S., this innovation could simplify procedures while improving patient outcomes. 🔗 Discover how MELT-300 could transform cataract surgery sedation here: https://lnkd.in/d_v-JCvv #Cataract #ClinicalTrial #Innovation #EyeHealth

Innovative Minimally Invasive Technique Shows Promise for Coronoid Process Fracture Treatment Researchers have developed a minimally invasive approach for treating coronoid process fractures, achieving stable fixation and improved patient outcomes. The technique involves anatomical reduction and the use of a mini-plate. The study analyzed 31 patients and found that the approach resulted in high functional recovery and a relatively low complication rate. The findings suggest that this technique could enhance market access for advanced orthopedic treatments and address the need for improved fracture management. Overall, the minimally invasive approach provides a reliable method for fixing coronoid fractures and promoting quicker patient rehabilitation. For more details please click the link! https://lnkd.in/dwz2ZVA9 #marketaccess #reimbursement #pricing #hta #heor #healtheconomics #medicaldevices #pharmaceutical

🔷 GLP-1 receptor agonists: Delayed gastric emptying is a potential side effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists (eg, semaglutide, liraglutide, Tirzepatide) which are used to treat diabetes and weight loss. Further research is needed, but advisories suggest GLP-1 agonists should be held for 1 dose before elective procedures to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents at the time of surgery. For patients on daily dosing consider holding GLP-1 agonists on the day of the procedure/surgery. For patients on weekly dosing consider holding GLP-1 agonists a week prior to the procedure/surgery. Consider consulting an endocrinologist for bridging the antidiabetic therapy to avoid hyperglycemia. 🔷 Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors: There have been reports of postoperative euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis in patients with type 2 diabetes taking SGLT2 inhibitors (eg, empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, ertugliflozin, bexagliflozin). These agents should be stopped three to four days before surgery

Ophthopedia Update:Efficacy and Safety of 0.19-mg Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant in Postoperative Cystoid Macular Edema after Pars Plana Vitrectomy: the ILUCYD study: To assess the efficacy and safety of 0.19-mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) intravitreal implant (Iluvien®) in treating chronic postoperative cystoid macular edema (PCME) after pars plana vitrectomy. #Ophthalmology #Retina #Ophthotwitter

Ophthopedia Update:Subgroup Analysis from a Phase 1/2 Randomized Clinical Trial of 2.6% EDTA Ophthalmic Solution in Patients with Age-Related Cataract: Effective non-invasive therapy to treat visual function decline due to pre-surgical cataract remains as a significant unmet medical need in the US and the rest of the world. It is estimated that over 80 million people worldwide have moderate and severe vision impairment caused by cataract.1 Currently, there are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pharmacological therapies for age-related cataract, and cataract surgery remains the only safe and effective treatment option available. Although cataract surgery has become common in many parts of the world, the number of individuals with vision loss associated with cataract has been increasing due to an aging population in many developed countries. #Ophthalmology #Ophthotwitter #Scicomm

Triple-Row Staple Technology May Reduce Anastomotic Leak in Colorectal Surgery A systematic review compared the efficiency of double-row staple technology with triple-row staple technology in reducing anastomotic leaks in colorectal surgeries. The review included six retrospective cohort studies, finding that triple-row staple technology significantly lowers the risk of anastomotic leaks compared to double-row staples. However, there were no significant differences in anastomotic hemorrhage, 30-day mortality, or reoperation rates between the two technologies. The review suggests that triple-row staple technology may reduce the risk of anastomotic leaks but does not significantly affect other surgical complications. For more details please click the link! https://lnkd.in/dc5WHMs3 #marketaccess #reimbursement #pricing #hta #heor #healtheconomics #medicaldevices #pharmaceutical

Comparative Effects of Azoximer Bromide and Surgery on Quality of Life in CRS Patients A study compared the effects of azoximer bromide treatment and functional endoscopic sinus surgery on the quality of life and emotional well-being of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps. Both treatments improved quality of life, with surgery having a more significant impact on certain physical symptoms. However, azoximer bromide was equally effective in addressing psychological and sleep-related issues. Patients can choose their treatment based on their specific quality of life concerns and symptom domains. For more details please click the link! https://lnkd.in/dnzNRNbk #marketaccess #reimbursement #pricing #hta #heor #healtheconomics #medicaldevices #pharmaceutical

Growing up in a doctor's family gave me insight into the many healthcare decisions. One decision that comes up often is deciding between surgery and medication to treat a condition. Each treatment method has risk and cost implications. Most importantly, we have to consider the long-term outcome. A recent study published in JAMA found that the rise of Wegovy and other GLP-1 agonist weight-loss drugs may be reducing the number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The study compared outcomes between the two treatments: 💊 GLP-1 agonist use increased from 1.89 to 4.41 per 1,000 patients with obesity without diabetes from late 2022 to late 2023 💊 Bariatric surgery rates decreased 26% over the same period, from 0.22 to 0.16 per 1,000 patients 💊 Only 6% of patients with obesity but not diabetes had taken GLP-1 agonists or undergone bariatric surgery The results suggest GLP-1 may be a viable nonsurgical alternative for weight loss, especially for patients who don't qualify for or want surgery. Reducing the risk of surgery and increasing treatment options is a good thing.