A research poster by Texas Retina Associates physicians Nikisha Kothari, MD, and Ashkan M. Abbey, MD, was awarded “Top 10” honors at the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting held this past weekend in San Antonio. 

Titled “The Use of a Combination of Ozurdex and Eylea Versus Eylea Monotherapy for Diabetic Macular Edema: A Prospective, Comparative Trial (COED Trial),” their poster shared preliminary results of a clinical study the two physicians have been leading. The study is evaluating the safety, efficacy and durability advantages of a combination treatment using a drug called Ozurdex (a dexamethasone intravitreal implant) with Eylea (an intravitreal aflibercept injection) compared with Eylea alone for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). The active group in the study received a baseline treatment of both Ozurdex and Eylea and then monthly Eylea injections and Ozurdex injections every three months as needed. The control group received a baseline Eylea injection followed by additional monthly Eylea injections. 

Dr. Kothari and Dr. Abbey found that the combination treatment protocol of Ozurdex with Eylea provided similar visual acuity and anatomic outcomes at 24 weeks’ follow-up compared with Eylea alone with the potential to reduce treatment burden through fewer injections. 

“This study was important because rapid resolution of DME results in better visual acuity and outcomes,” explains Dr. Kothari. “Some patients don’t respond well to Eylea mono therapy. DME is multifactorial in etiology: inflammation plays a big role. We’re always looking for ways to improve the treatments available to our patients and look forward to evaluating the results of this study again at 48 weeks’ follow-up.” 

Click here to see a video summary of the study. 

Dr. Kothari cares for patients in our Grapevine, Arlington and Mansfield offices. Dr. Abbey serves as our Director of Clinical Research for Dallas and sees patients in our Dallas Main and Rockwall offices. 

Click here to learn more about the current clinical trials available at Texas Retina Associates.