Diabetic macular edema: Upcoming therapies

Yan A., Jones C., DEMİREL S., Chhablani J.

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, vol.263, no.2, pp.249-258, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 263 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00417-024-06595-7
  • Journal Name: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.249-258
  • Keywords: Anti-VEGF, Diabetic macular edema, Diabetic macular edema therapy, Diabetic retinopathy, Gene therapy
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Abstract: Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a serious vision-threatening complication that can arise at any stage of diabetic retinopathy. Primary treatment involves anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, which are highly effective but associated with challenges, such as the need for frequent injections, relapses, and resistance to therapy. Therefore, there has been a growing interest in developing new treatments that offer similar or superior outcomes in DME. This review article explores emerging treatments, including WNT agonists, gene therapy, protein inhibitors, and, most importantly, the first-ever non-invasive and oral drugs. The evolving therapies in diabetic retinopathy offer hope for continued improvement in vision loss associated with one of the most common chronic conditions worldwide.