Survey of US Optometrists Reveals Large Number of Untreated Keratoconus Patients
Jonathan H. Talamo, MD, Chair of the Board at Epion Therapeutics, Presents Optometric Survey Results at Eyecelerator @ AAO 2024
Chicago, IL – Jonathan H. Talamo, MD, Chair of the Board at Epion Therapeutics, presented groundbreaking results at the Eyecelerator @ AAO 2024 on Thursday, October 17, 2024. His presentation highlighted findings from a third-party, Epion-sponsored survey, revealing a significant proportion of untreated keratoconus (KC) patients being managed by optometrists in the U.S. and elsewhere. Most respondents were from the United States.
Dr. Talamo presented striking results: U.S. Optometric practices surveyed manage an average of about 500 keratoconus patients each. Practices reported that only 30% of patients under management have undergone cross-linking even though 80% of those were described as having “moderate” or “severe” keratoconus. "This means that large numbers of KC patients in this country are progressing and losing vision, but still not receiving treatment," Talamo explained. He went on to highlight that when optometrists were presented with the target product profile of EpiSmart®, Epion’s proprietary crosslinking therapy, they indicated that, on average, they would recommend it to 72% of patients under their care.
The survey, which polled optometrists who focus on managing keratoconus, showed that while many patients are diagnosed, a majority remain untreated with the currently available cross-linking procedure. The findings point to an urgent need for more accessible and patient-friendly treatment options for this progressive corneal disease.
During his presentation, Dr. Talamo emphasized the immense unmet need for effective early-stage treatment for keratoconus. "As with any progressive disease, early diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus should be the goal," Talamo said. "But treatment must also be patient-friendly with a favorable risk profile. Unfortunately, this is not the case with the current FDA-approved cross-linking therapy, for which on-label treatment requires documented worsening of the disease and removal of the corneal epithelium. The large, surgically induced epithelial defect results in a slow, painful recovery and carries risks of corneal haze, infection, and scarring that can lead to vision loss."
Epion’s EpiSmart® therapy is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials, following a >2000-subject Phase 2 program which showed:
Improvements in corrected vision over 12 months
A favorable safety profile with no related serious adverse events
A low rate of reported pain and epithelial defects
Rapid recovery with patients returning to school or work within 48 hours
Treatment of keratoconus at diagnosis without documented progression
Simultaneous treatment of both eyes in >70% of patients
These benefits are attributed to the unique features of EpiSmart’s Epi-On cross-linking system:
Reliable stromal saturation with no mechanical or chemical disruption of the epithelium
Novel formulation of riboflavin and sodium iodide (Ribostat®)
Unique device design featuring dual treatment heads
No need for continuous dosing or supplemental oxygen
EpiSmart’s Phase 3 clinical trials are currently enrolling patients at over 20 US clinical sites. Epion anticipates enrollment completion in early 2025.
About Epion Therapeutics:
Epion is developing EpiSmart, a minimally-invasive treatment for keratoconus and ectatic corneal disease that could bring early intervention to millions of patients globally. Our approach is a transformative cross-linking system designed to treat keratoconus without chemical or mechanical disruption of the epithelium, allowing for a rapid return to normal activities.
For more information, please contact:
Email: info@epiontx.com
Website: www.epiontx.com