Manchester Royal Eye Hospital (MREH) research team first in the EMEA to recruit patient to non-infectious uveitis research study

Congratulations to the MREH research team who recruited the first patient in the Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) to a study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a drug called, Filgotinib, in treating patients with non-infectious uveitis.

Uveitis is commonly treated with steroids that effectively reduce inflammation, however, they also have complications including the development of cataracts and glaucoma.

Led locally by Miss Laura Steeples, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at MREH, this worldwide study will examine whether Filgotinib can effectively control this inflammation in the eye over time so flares of uveitis are avoided.

 The condition affects around two to five in every 10,000 people in the UK every year and if left untreated, uveitis may lead to eye pain, changes to vision (including blindness) and retinal problems.

Funded by Gilead Sciences ltd and supported by the National Institute for Health Research, the study hopes to recruit 110 participants across 50 sites worldwide.