Evaluation of Risuteganib as a neuroprotective agent in retinal dystrophy, using the Rabin cone contrast test

Abstract

Purpose : Risuteganib has been shown, in cell-line and animal models, to demonstrate neuroprotective properties. In this study, we evaluate safety and potential efficacy of intravitreal Risuteganib in patients with retinal dystrophy.

Methods : Prospective, interventional study of 3 patients (6 eyes) with retinal dystrophies (cone-rod distrophy) where Rabin cone contrast test (RCCT) and acuity test (Innova Systems, Burr Ridge, IL) was taken prior and after a single administration of 1.0mg of intravitreal Risuteganib in the left eye. The right eye was used as a control. Patients were recruited in the genetics department of the hospital based on ophthalmic history and complete ophthalmic evaluation.

Results : The three patients with retinal dystrophy had a mean age of 20.03 ± 4.04 (range 18-25) years old. The complete ophthalmologic examination showed no signs of toxicity in any of the patients.

The RCCT showed improvement after administration of intravitreal Risuteganib in all 3 patients. Left eye values (prior to Risuteganib administration) [L CCTs (5.0 ± 5.0), M CCTs (15.0 ± 15.0), S CCTs (80.0 ± 15.0)]. Left eye values (one month after administration of Risuteganib) [L CCTs (8.3 ± 14.43), M CCTs (23.3 ± 20.81, S CCTs (78.3 ± 25.65)]. The mean change from baseline were L CCT 3.3, M CCT 8.3, S CCT -1.7.

Right eye values (no Risuteganib was administrated) [L CCTs (11.6 ± 20.2), M CCTs (16.6 ± 14.43), S CCTs (76.6 ± 11.54)]. Right eye values (one month follow-up examination) [L CCTs (13.3 ± 15.27), M CCTs (16.6 ± 28.86), S CCTs (78.3 ± 18.92)]. The mean change from baseline were L CCT 1.7, M CCT 0.0, S CCT 1.7.


The difference in CFB between study and control group is the following: L CCT 1.6, M CCT 8.3, S CCT -1.7.

Conclusions : In this study we demonstrate that intravitreal Risuteganib improves color vision, suggesting neuroprotective properties, and could be a promising treatment for retinal dystrophy. Intravitreal Risuteganib did not show adverse effects on any of these patients.

This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.