Researchers find ranibizumab drug as effective alternative to laser therapy for treating diabetic retinopathy

In a randomized clinical trial of more than 300 participants, researchers from Johns Hopkins and elsewhere have found that ranibizumab — a drug most commonly used to treat retinal swelling in people with diabetes — is an effective alternative to laser therapy for treating the most severe, potentially blinding form of diabetic retinal disease. Results of the government-sponsored study also show that the drug therapy carries fewer side effects than the currently used laser treatment.

Ophthotech Announces that Genentech, a Roche Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, Elects to Exercise Its Right to Opt-in to the Novartis Portion of the Ophthotech / Novartis Ex-US Agreement for Fovista® to Treat Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ophthotech announced that Genentech has elected to exercise its option to participate in the financial arrangements relating to Novartis’ rights under the Ophthotech/Novartis ex-US agreement.