Data from Australian ophthalmology company PolyActiva’s phase 2 trial of PA5108, its biodegradable ocular implant, significantly reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma, with sustained effects observed over 48 weeks. 

Presenting the data at the Eyecelerator Conference in Chicago and AusBiotechInvest in Melbourne, the company said 17 participants with mild to moderate glaucoma were recruited from Australia and New Zealand, each receiving two PA5108 implants spaced 21 weeks apart. Results demonstrated 94% of patients did not require additional eye drop therapy, with statistically significant IOP reductions of between 26% and 35% at key intervals and no observed impact on corneal endothelium, they said. 

The PA5108 implant, designed to address the challenges of patient adherence to eye-drop regimens, rapidly degrades once the drug is released, said the company. PolyActiva CEO Vanessa Waddell emphasised the potential for PA5108 to ease the burden of long-term treatment, as up to 90% of glaucoma patients struggle with correct eye drop use over time. 

"With over 80 million glaucoma patients worldwide, the demand for reliable and sustained therapies is immense," said Waddell. "Our polymer technology holds promise not only for glaucoma but also for other ocular diseases."