RETeval device a viable option for diabetic retinopathy screening

SAN FRANCISCO — The RETeval device may be a promising new screening tool for diabetic retinopathy due to its ease of use and low failure rates, according to late-breaking data presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 74th Scientific Sessions.“These data are clinically relevant for ophthalmologists and endocrinologists for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy because the RETeval machine (LKC Technologies) is a new tool for screening patients with diabetes for eye disease that can be performed by the primary care physician,” April Y. Maa, MD, of the Atlanta VAMC/Emory Eye Center, (Read more...)

Allergan rejects Valeant exchange offer, makes recommendation to stockholders

Allergan’s board of directors has unanimously rejected Valeant Pharmaceuticals’ unsolicited exchange offer to acquire all outstanding common shares of Allergan, the company announced in a press release.Upon consulting with independent legal and financial advisors, the board determined the offer was “grossly inadequate, substantially undervalues the company, creates significant risks and uncertainties for Allergan stockholders, and is not in the best interests of the company and its stockholders,” according to the release.

Preliminary data indicate Singulair as potential diabetic retinopathy therapy

SAN FRANCISCO — Leukotriene B4 receptor 1 levels, leukotriene B4 generation and superoxide production may be potential pathogenic markers for diabetic retinopathy in young patients with type 1 diabetes, according to study data presented here.The preliminary data also suggested that Singulair (montelukast sodium, Merck), a selective and orally active leukotriene receptor antagonist that inhibits the cysteinyl leukotriene CysLT1 receptor, may be a potential therapy for diabetic retinopathy.