First-of-a-kind study shines light on DMO treatment among diverse backgrounds

For the first time, people from underrepresented ethnic and racial backgrounds were the focus of a clinical trial which reported improved vision after receiving treatment for diabetic macular oedema (DMO).

Roche’s drug faricimab (Vabysmo), which is also used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinal vein occlusion, was used to treat patients from Hispanic, Latino, and Black communities.

These communities are often underrepresented in clinical trials but are disproportionately affected by diabetes and at higher risk of developing DMO.

Outcomes of the Elevatum study

Genentech, a member of the Roche group, invited 124 participants to take part in the Elevatum study in the United States. It found patients who were treated with Vabysmo every eight weeks could on average read an extra 12.3 letters after a year– two and a half lines on an eye chart.

Hispanic and Latino patients gained an average of 14.1 letters, nearly three lines on an eye chart, while African American and Black participants gained an average of 11.3 letters.

Of all the participants, 45% self-identified as Hispanic or Latino, and 48% as Black or African American.

A 'groundbreaking study' for diversity

Speaking about Vabysmo, Doctor of medicine Jeremiah Brown, from Retina consultants of Texas, said: “For the first time we now have data demonstrating its ability to improve vision in Black, African American, Hispanic, and Latino patients who are disproportionately impacted by this condition.

“As a clinician who serves patients from these communities, I felt it was important to take part in this groundbreaking study and hope the findings will inform and improve the care we provide to our patients in the clinic daily.”

Vice president and chief diversity officer at Genentech, Quita Highsmith, added the Elevatum study was “a significant milestone” which “establishes a blueprint of best practices to enrol more diverse patients.”