Subconjunctival IVIg (Gamunex-C) Injection for Corneal Neovascularization and Inflammatory Conditions

Summary

The purpose of the study is to test the investigational drug Gamunex-C on the growth of blood vessels over the cornea. This study is being conducted by Dr. Balamurali Ambati at the Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah. The cornea is the clear outer front part of the eye. In corneal neovascularization, blood vessels grow over the cornea. Corneal neovascularization and ocular anterior segment inflammations are sight-threatening conditions. Lipid deposition and edema with subsequent scar formation can compromise corneal clarity irreversibly. Corneal neovascularization is also a well recognized risk factor for corneal graft failure. In its natural state, the cornea is a site of immune privilege well suited to tissue transplantation. Once vascularized, there is direct exposure of corneal antigens to circulating host immune mechanisms greatly increasing the chance of rejection \[Collaborative Corneal Transplantation Study\]. Melting or inflammation in the anterior chamber, cornea, or ocular surface can cause irreversible scarring or destruction of the optical elements of the eye, which can compromise vision. Current standard of care for such conditions includes use of topical steroids and sometimes immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine). These do not address a common underlying corneal neovascularization or melting. This is a Phase 1 clinical trial of subconjunctival IVIg (Gamunex-C) injection for treatment of corneal neovascularization in the setting of corneal transplantation with neovascularization. Candidates for corneal transplantation with corneal neovascularization in one or more quadrants crossing more than 0.5mm over the limbus will be identified for inclusion in our study.

Timeline

Start

2014-07

Primary completion

2016-07

Completion

2016-07

Publications

• Background Chang JH, Garg NK, Lunde E, Han KY, Jain S, Azar DT. Corneal neovascularization: an anti-VEGF therapy review. Surv Ophthalmol. 2012 Sep;57(5):415-29. doi: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2012.01.007.
• Background Chang JH, Gabison EE, Kato T, Azar DT. Corneal neovascularization. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2001 Aug;12(4):242-9. doi: 10.1097/00055735-200108000-00002.
• Background Cho YK, Uehara H, Young JR, Tyagi P, Kompella UB, Zhang X, Luo L, Singh N, Archer B, Ambati BK. Flt23k nanoparticles offer additive benefit in graft survival and anti-angiogenic effects when combined with triamcinolone. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2012 Apr 30;53(4):2328-36. doi: 10.1167/iovs.11-8393.
• Background Singh SR, Grossniklaus HE, Kang SJ, Edelhauser HF, Ambati BK, Kompella UB. Intravenous transferrin, RGD peptide and dual-targeted nanoparticles enhance anti-VEGF intraceptor gene delivery to laser-induced CNV. Gene Ther. 2009 May;16(5):645-59. doi: 10.1038/gt.2008.185. Epub 2009 Feb 5.
• Background Jani PD, Singh N, Jenkins C, Raghava S, Mo Y, Amin S, Kompella UB, Ambati BK. Nanoparticles sustain expression of Flt intraceptors in the cornea and inhibit injury-induced corneal angiogenesis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2007 May;48(5):2030-6. doi: 10.1167/iovs.06-0853.
• Background Luo L, Zhang X, Hirano Y, Tyagi P, Barabas P, Uehara H, Miya TR, Singh N, Archer B, Qazi Y, Jackman K, Das SK, Olsen T, Chennamaneni SR, Stagg BC, Ahmed F, Emerson L, Zygmunt K, Whitaker R, Mamalis C, Huang W, Gao G, Srinivas SP, Krizaj D, Baffi J, Ambati J, Kompella UB, Ambati BK. Targeted intraceptor nanoparticle therapy reduces angiogenesis and fibrosis in primate and murine macular degeneration. ACS Nano. 2013 Apr 23;7(4):3264-75. doi: 10.1021/nn305958y. Epub 2013 Mar 20.

Drugs

Indications