New drug helps diabetic eye disease

A new drug, faricimab, trialled at the Trust’s Clinical Eye Research Centre (CERC) could help to save the eyesight of millions of people with diabetic eye disease.

The CERC, located within the Royal, was selected by Roche to be one of 325 sites around the world to conduct a study into the treatment of diabetic macular oedema - the most common cause of sight loss in people with diabetes.

The results show that faricimab maintained vision, extending time between treatments. If approved, it means that patients will be able to reduce their need for injections from every four to eight weeks to potentially just three times a year.

Professor Ian Pearce, Director of the CERC and Consultant Ophthalmologist, was the Principal Investigator of the study. He said: “Attending many different diabetic clinic appointments each year is hugely time-consuming for people with diabetes. Reducing the need to attend numerous clinic appointments will be a great help to them.

“This study shows that faricimab has the potential to reduce the burden of treatment for our patients, whilst maintaining excellent treatment outcomes and preventing sight loss.

“The Clinical Eye Research Centre is fully committed to gaining access to cutting edge treatment for the people of Merseyside and beyond by participating in these global clinical studies.”

Globally, over 460 million people live with diabetes and this figure is likely to rise to over 700 million in the next 35 years.

Faricimab has recently been licensed as a treatment in the United States and is currently being considered by European and UK licensing agencies. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) are assessing the drug as a potential treatment for Diabetic Macular Oedema.

Wellbeing sessions in April

We have a number of wellbeing sessions taking place each month across all sites, keep a look out for the full list of events on our staff Facebook and within Liverpool News. Email our Specialist Occupational Therapist: Sam.holder@liverpoolft.nhs. uk for more information.

Every Monday from 4pm to 4.45pm are Dance Classes at Broadgreen in the Best Unit, email harts@liverpoolft. nhs.uk

Every Tuesday and Thursday try HIIT Workout in the Royal Therapies gym from 6.45am to 7.15am.

Each Wednesday from 10.30am to 2pm take part in woodland conservation. Meet outside Bluebell Woods.

Smoking cessation staff sessions take place each week at Aintree on Wednesday, Royal on Thursday and Broadgreen on Friday. All from 8am to 6pm in the Wellbeing Hubs.