Below are descriptions of the ocular inflammatory research currently being carried out at MERSI. This may include clinical trials, expanded access to novel treatments, and collaborations with researchers looking to expand the understanding of uveitis. For clinical trials, the length and number of study visits is included within each description. Study visits will often consist of bloodwork, diagnostic testing, eye exams, and other safety assessments. Coverage is provided for all assessments conducted within the study by the sponsor.
Have questions? Connect with an OIUF Research Coordinator for inquiries about current research and participating in trials near you!
This trial is studying the safety and efficacy of Brepocitinib to treat non-infectious intermediate, posterior and panuveitis. This medication has moved to phase 3 for further testing after recently completing a phase 2 trial, and is a dual inhibitor of JAK1 and TYK2, both thought to play important roles in managing inflammation and autoimmunity. This trial is currently enrolling participants in the US and internationally, and is designed to include two phases for participants, first with an active drug versus placebo phase, followed by an open-label phase where everyone is treated with Brepocitinib.
Synopsis: This trial is further evaluating the safety and efficacy of YUTIQ after FDA approval. YUTIQ is a steroidal intravitreal implant for the treatment of non-infectious posterior uveitis. This study does not have a placebo arm and therefore all eligible participants are treated with YUTIQ. This has completed enrollment, and patients are progressing through scheduled follow-ups.
Synopsis: This trial is studying the safety and efficacy of izokipeb, a subcutaneous biologic injection, which modifies the immune system by targeting Interleukin-17A for the treatment of non-infectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis. This trial has completed enrollment, and patients are continuing to progress through follow up visits.
Synopsis: This registry is collecting real-world data on patients who have received YUTIQ. YUTIQ is a steroid implant for the eye that is currently FDA-approved for the treatment of posterior uveitis. The aim of this study is to collect post-marketing data to continue learning about the real-world implications of this treatment in the long run. Data collection has been completed and analysis is in progress.
Recent Trials
Synopsis: This trial is studying the safety and efficacy of ESK-001, an oral medication for the treatment of non-infectious intermediate, posterior and panuveitis. This trial offers two alternative doses of ESK-001, an oral medication which acts as an allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, thought to play a role in inflammation. This trial has completed enrollment.
For updates on results of this trial, click here: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05953688
Synopsis: Taltz (ixekizumab) is an FDA-approved, biologic drug that modifies the immune system by targeting Interleukin-17A. Taltz is currently used to treat moderate-to-severe Plaque Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. This study explored the safety and efficacy of Taltz for the treatment of adults with non-infectious uveitis. Enrollment for this trial has been completed and results are currently being analyzed.
Synopsis: Cartesian Therapeutics developed an infusion therapy, Descartes-08, which uses re-engineered T-cells from a patient’s body to treat different diseases and conditions. By giving the T-cells a new message not to target your cells as enemy cells, the inflammatory response can be reduced or inhibited. This innovative infusion treatment was offered for patients with active Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid (OCP) and Autoimmune Retinopathy through FDA Exanded Access, but is not currently enrolling new patients.
Collaborations with Other Researchers
Synopsis: This is a collaboration project with researchers at UMass Chan Medical School that are hoping to learn more about the role of regulatory T cells (immune cells) in those with ocular inflammatory diseases, such as uveitis. Any patient getting bloodwork done at MERSI in Waltham, Ma for their regular appointments is eligible to provide an additional blood sample.
Synopsis: This is a collaboration project with Boston Children’s Hospital to learn more about autoimmune diseases of the eye to improve diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Any patient undergoing surgery, either with or without an inflammatory eye condition, qualifies for this trial if they are willing to provide a sample of blood and sample of eye fluid while undergoing surgery.