Spherix Global Insights’ Sarah Soucy, Franchise Head of Ophthalmology, examines the evolving treatment landscape for diabetic retinopathy in a bylined article published in pharmaphorum. Drawing on Spherix research among US retinal specialists and general ophthalmologists, Soucy explores how treatment durability, earlier intervention, and market access could influence the next generation of therapies for this sight-threatening disease.
Despite advances in anti-VEGF therapies, diabetic retinopathy treatment remains largely reactive, with biologic use concentrated among patients with more advanced disease. Spherix research involving 103 US retinal specialists and general ophthalmologists highlights a persistent gap between physician treatment preferences and clinical practice, shaped by disease severity, injection burden, and reimbursement restrictions.
The article also examines emerging therapies designed to offer longer treatment intervals, alternative delivery methods, and new mechanisms of action. Soucy considers how these innovations, together with improved screening and referral pathways, could support earlier treatment while underscoring the importance of access strategies that allow patients to benefit from new therapies when clinically appropriate.
Key Takeaways
Treatment Durability Remains a Priority
Physicians identify longer-lasting therapies, fewer injections, and non-invasive options among the greatest unmet needs in diabetic retinopathy. Emerging gene therapies, sustained-release treatments, and oral candidates could help address these concerns.
Access Restrictions Influence Treatment Selection
Insurance and reimbursement requirements remain significant barriers to biologic use. Although 60% of surveyed physicians preferred high-dose aflibercept (Eylea HD) without payer constraints, off-label bevacizumab (Avastin) continues to dominate prescribing.
Earlier Intervention Requires Clinical Evidence and Access
New therapeutic approaches and AI-enabled screening technologies could expand opportunities for earlier detection and treatment. However, adoption will depend on meaningful clinical benefit, appropriate patient selection, and reimbursement policies that support timely intervention.
Featured Insight
The potential to treat diabetic retinopathy earlier will depend not only on more durable and effective therapies, but also on ensuring that access requirements do not delay their use in appropriate patients.
Read the Full Article
Read Sarah Soucy’s full perspective in pharmaphorum:
Durability and earlier access could reshape diabetic retinopathy treatment →
Original source: pharmaphorum