First-of-Its-Kind Study Shows Fenofibrate
Reduces Eye Disease Progression by 27%
ORLANDO,
Fla., June 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today,
findings from the Lowering Events in Non-proliferative retinopathy
in Scotland (LENS) Trial revealed
that fenofibrate, a medication used for many years to reduce blood
fat levels, significantly reduces the progression of diabetic
retinopathy, a diabetes-related eye disease. Delivered by Oxford
Population Health, this is the first large-scale trial specifically
designed to investigate the effect of this drug on eye outcomes in
people with early diabetic retinopathy. The results were presented
at a symposium during the American Diabetes Association's (ADA)
84th Scientific Sessions in Orlando, FL, and were simultaneously published
in NEJM Evidence.
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of visual loss globally,
with increasing prevalence in many regions of the world over the
last 30 years. The condition is caused by high blood sugar levels
damaging the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision
problems and even blindness. Effectively managing blood glucose
levels is important to reduce the risk of disease progression, but
this can be difficult to achieve for many patients and there are no
other treatment options available for people with early
retinopathy. The LENS Trial sought to address this challenge by
evaluating the impact of an existing solution for high cholesterol
on diabetic retinopathy outcomes.
This randomized controlled trial was conducted within
Scotland's Diabetic Eye Screening
(DES) program, a national scheme that provides regular retinal
imaging to all patients with diabetes, aged 12 years or more,
across the country. The trial included 1,151 adults with early
diabetic retinopathy or maculopathy. They were assigned to receive
either 145 mg fenofibrate tablets or placebo. The primary outcome
was a composite measure of developing referable diabetic
retinopathy or maculopathy (i.e. a grading of diabetic eye disease
that warrants specialist ophthalmic review) or requiring treatment
with laser, intravitreal injection or vitrectomy.
Results indicate that fenofibrate may be an effective option for
people with early diabetic retinopathy. Over 4 years, participants
taking fenofibrate saw a 27% reduction in the progression of their
eye disease compared to those taking the placebo (22.7% vs. 29.2%),
a result that was highly statistically significant (p=0.006).
Additionally, fenofibrate reduced the chance of any progression of
retinopathy and it cut the risk of developing macular edema
(swelling in the retina).
"Diabetic retinopathy remains a leading cause of visual loss and
we need simple strategies that can be widely used to reduce the
progression of diabetic eye disease," said Dr. David Preiss, MRCP, FRCPath, PhD, Associate
Professor at Oxford Population Health. "Results from the LENS trial
suggest that fenofibrate may provide a valuable addition to treat
people with diabetic retinopathy."
Running the trial in partnership with the Scottish DES has also
allowed the LENS investigators to collect 9,000 retinal images and
these will be analyzed using machine learning tools to better
understand the effect of fenofibrate in the diabetic eye.
Participants' progress will continue to be tracked through linkage
to national health records to understand the long-term impacts of
fenofibrate therapy on health.
Research presentation details:
Dr. Preiss will present
the findings during the following symposium:
- Symposium: The Effect of Fenofibrate on Progression of
Diabetic Retinopathy—Results from the LENS Trial
- Presented on Friday, June 21,
2024, at 3:45 PM EDT.
About the ADA's Scientific Sessions
The ADA's 84th
Scientific Sessions, the world's largest scientific meeting focused
on diabetes research, prevention, and care, will be held in
Orlando, FL on June 21-24. More than 11,000 leading physicians,
scientists, and health care professionals from around the world are
expected to convene both in person and virtually to unveil
cutting-edge research, treatment recommendations, and advances
toward a cure for diabetes. Attendees will receive exclusive access
to thousands of original research presentations and take part in
provocative and engaging exchanges with leading diabetes experts.
Join the Scientific Sessions conversation on social media using
#ADAScientificSessions.
About the American Diabetes Association
The American
Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation's leading voluntary health
organization fighting to bend the curve on the diabetes epidemic
and help people living with diabetes thrive. For 83 years, the ADA
has driven discovery and research to treat, manage, and prevent
diabetes while working relentlessly for a cure. Through advocacy,
program development, and education we aim to improve the quality of
life for the over 136 million Americans living with diabetes or
prediabetes. Diabetes has brought us together. What we do next will
make us Connected for Life®. To learn more or to get involved,
visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES
(1-800-342-2383). Join the fight with us on Facebook (American
Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la
Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), Twitter
(@AmDiabetesAssn), and Instagram
(@AmDiabetesAssn).
Media contact
Amy Robinson
arobinson@brgcommunications.com
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SOURCE American Diabetes Association