Phase I Study of Episcleral Celecoxib for Treatment of Macular Edema and Inflammatory Disorders of the Posterior Pole

Overview

This phase I trial will assess primarily the safety and secondarily the anti-inflammatory and anti-neovascular effect of Episcleral Celecoxib in patients suffering from macular edema and other inflammatory disorders of the retina, choroid and vitreous.

This phase I trial will assess primarily the safety and secondarily anti-inflammatory/neovascular effect of Episcleral Celecoxib in patients suffering from macular edema \& inflammatory disorders of the eye posterior pole Including sclera, choroid, retina, or vitreous. Celecoxib is a specific cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor that possesses anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties. Non-clinical studies have documented the activity of Celecoxib in reducing leakage of the blood-retina barrier as well as inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) expression in the retina of diabetic rats. The underlying mechanisms for its anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties have been extensively characterized. The investigators hypothesize that Episcleral Celecoxib is safe, tolerable and that its anti-inflammatory/anti-neovascular activity will reduce macular edema and improve vision in patients with macular edema. Objective: to primarily assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of Episcleral Celecoxib in patients with macular edema and other inflammatory disorders of the posterior pole including retina, choroid and vitreous to secondarily assess efficacy in reducing macular edema and improving visual function. Methods: The main outcome of the study is safety assessment. Secondary outcomes are assessment of visual acuity and anatomical changes in the macula as measured via optical coherence tomography (OCT).