Authors' objectives:

The aim of this study was to summarize the available information on the use of ruboxistaurin mesylate hydrate (trade mark Arxxant, manufactured by Eli Lilly and company).

Authors' recommendations: Approximately 40% of Americans with diabetes have diabetic retinopathy (DR). In Canada, more than two million individuals have diabetes, and this number is expected to increase to three million by 2010. Because patients with diabetes are living longer, more individuals are at risk of developing DR. Left untreated, DR can lead to vision loss and blindness. DR is the leading cause of blindness in the working-age population, and is responsible for 12% of the new cases of blindness per annum. Although effective, both laser photocoagulation therapy and vitrectomy are invasive interventions that can only be used to treat the disease in the late stages. Both techniques carry a risk of additional vision loss. Ruboxistaurin could be a less invasive treatment option, and it would be used to treat the disease in the earlier stages to prevent or delay the onset of vision loss.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.cadth.ca/

Year Published: 2006

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Agency for Drug and Technologies in Health (CADTH)