ASRS 2024: Update on the phase 2 DAVIO 2 trial

Jennifer Lim, MD, FARVO, FASRS, gives an update on the phase 2 DAVIO 2 trial comparing EYP-1901 with aflibercept at the annual ASRS meeting in Stockholm, Sweden.

Video Transcript:

Editor's note: The below transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.

Jennifer Lim, MD, FARVO, FASRS:

Hello, I'm Jennifer Lim from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where I serve as a Marion Schenk Chair of Ophthalmology, Vice Chair, Director of the retina service, and UIC distinguished professor of ophthalmology. The DAVIO 2 was a phase 2 clinical trial that compared the use of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, [EYP-1901], to aflibercept given on label after loading, 2 milligrams Q8 weeks. The [EYP-1901] was given after aflibercept was given to achieve control of the neovascular disease in eyes with age-related macular degeneration. It was given either in a 2 milligram dose, or a 3 milligram dose. And this is a bioerodible drug that is injected into the eye. Following the use of [EYP-1901], patients were then followed to see whether they needed supplemental injections.

Of course the patient's given aflibercept were then dosed at Q8 weeks on label. For both of these groups, patients were allowed to receive supplemental injections of aflibercept 2 milligrams as needed. For the [EYP-1901] 2 milligrams and 3 milligram groups, the number of supplemental injections was markedly reduced. In fact, two-thirds of patients in this phase 2 trial did not need supplemental injections. Interestingly, in the comparator arm that is of aflibercept, there were approximately 6-8% of patients that needed supplemental injections despite the fact that they were dose Q8. And so what this does is that it gives added durability to patients with neovascular AMD. And the reason for this is that these tyrosine kinase inhibitors are acting directly on the VEGF receptor signaling. So, even though the VEGF binds at the receptor, the signaling doesn't go through. So you don't get the subsequent downstream effects of VEGF because these are blocked by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

This is really exciting news because this really means that we yet have another possible tool in our armamentarium to decrease the treatment burden and really to increase durability. And as we know, for AMD patients, really drying the retina that is getting rid of the IRF and the SRF, really is what's going to preserve the vision. And this will also help us with patients who are lost to follow-up or have other morbidities which makes it difficult for them to return to the clinic. I think this really durable, 1-time injection that can last at least 6 months is going to be a game changer.