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.
Synopsis:
Taltz (ixekizumab) is an FDA approved, biologic drug which 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 is exploring the safety and efficacy of Taltz for treatment of adults with non-infectious uveitis. We are currently enrolling 20 patients into this study. Participants will be followed for 24 weeks with a total of 9 office visits.
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. Participants will be followed for 24 weeks with a total of 10 visits, with a possible extension period of up to 52 weeks.
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 is currently enrolling this patient population between the ages of 18 through 75. Participants will be followed for 65 weeks over the course of 21 office visits.
Synopsis:
This is a trial for patients with dry eye associated with Sjogren’s Disease. The study drug is Tivanisiran Sodium Ophthalmic Solution which inhibits TRPV1 which normally participates in ocular pain sensing and the inflammatory response, key contributors to dry eye disease. Study participants will be followed for about 4 months through a total of 5 office visits.
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 trial consists of 9 visits over the course of two years.
Synopsis:
This registry is collecting real-world data on patients that have received YUTIQ. YUTIQ is a steroid implant for the eye for treatment of posterior uveitis. Research coordinators at MERSI will be following along with patients for 5 years after their first YUTIQ implant. No additional visits are needed, patients will provide consent to access information from MERSI medical records to enter in the database. Anyone who has received YUTIQ prior to January 2022 is eligible to contribute.
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.
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 for their regular appointments is eligible to provide an additional blood sample.
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