Global eye care company Alcon presented results last week from a clinical trial on CyPass® Micro-Stent, a microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) device implanted at the time of cataract surgery in patients with mild-to-moderate primary open-angle glaucoma. Findings from the COMPASS Randomized Controlled Trial were announced at the 2018 American Glaucoma Society (AGS) annual meeting, taking place March 1-4, 2018 in New York City.
The COMPASS clinical trial for the CyPass® Micro-Stent was the first MIGS study with a two-year follow-up for more than 500 patients with mild-to-moderate primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) undergoing cataract surgery. Patients in the CyPass® MicroStent group showed a lower incidence in events associated with glaucoma disease progression, including adverse events for visual field deterioration, optic disc hemorrhage, intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes, and the need for additional glaucoma surgery, than compared to the control group (cataract surgery only).
Among other findings, a lower proportion of patients receiving the device at the time of cataract surgery required IOP-lowering medications at 24 months post-implantation. Analysis from a separate study with circadian models also showed reductions in both mean intraocular pressure and the amplitude of fluctuations throughout the day in glaucoma patients.
“We are encouraged by this new data because it has potential real-world implications for patients and physicians struggling to manage glaucoma and who might be looking for better surgical options,” said Jaime Dickerson, Senior Global Brand Medical Affairs Lead, Alcon. “The CyPass® Micro-Stent is not only an important contribution to the MIGS space, but it may also help to slow the progression of glaucoma and stabilize intraocular pressure throughout the day, while helping to relieve patients of the burden of adhering to daily topical medications.
The CyPass® Micro-Stent is implanted just below the surface of the eye, and is uniquely designed to reduce IOP in patients with mild-to-moderate primary open-angle glaucoma. It is the first FDA-approved prescription MIGS device to leverage an entirely new outflow pathway for excess aqueous fluid in the eye – the supraciliary space, which is the space between the sclera (the white outer layer of the eyeball) and the ciliary body. Once implanted, it creates a permanent conduit between the anterior chamber of the eye and the suprachoroidal space to improve the eye's natural drainage pathway.
Alcon is a subsidiary of Novartis that specializes in ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment, and other eye care products. Based in Switzerland and Fort Worth, Texas, Alcon also creates partnerships with eye care professionals and programs that enhance access to quality eye care.
See the full press release from Alcon.