Gene and Oral Therapies Drive Urgency and Innovation in Retinal Care, Reshaping Ophthalmology’s Future, According to Spherix Global Insights

As patients struggle with treatment burdens and suboptimal outcomes, new pipeline therapies spark hope for meaningful transformation across nAMD, DME, GA, and UME.

Exton, Pennsylvania, Aug. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a newly published edition of Special Topix™: Ophthalmology Pipeline Opportunities 2025 (US), research from Spherix Global Insights with U.S. ophthalmologists, including retina specialists, sheds light on urgent, unmet needs across eight ophthalmic conditions and spotlights the most promising pipeline therapies set to transform patient care.  

Despite a growing arsenal of pharmacologic treatments, ophthalmologists report too many patients remain without optimal control of their disease. In neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), nearly half of treated patients still fail to achieve adequate disease control. For glaucoma, the challenge is even greater as nearly 81% of patients continue to struggle with dosing complexities and limited efficacy. In geographic atrophy (GA), only one-fifth of patients are receiving prescription therapy, and fewer than half of those is considered well-managed. Uveitic macular edema (UME) tells a similar story: while over half of patients are currently treated, more than one in four are still receiving suboptimal care. Across these conditions, physicians point to the same unmet need priorities—greater efficacy, improved safety, and sustained, long-term disease stability.  

Amid this demanding landscape, ophthalmologists are turning their attention to the pipeline and new therapies in development for various conditions. The report spotlights twenty-four pipeline products garnering varying levels of anticipation. The full breadth of pipeline products include:  

AbbVie/REGENXBIO’s ABBV-RGX-314, 4DMT’s 4D-150, Kodiak Sciences’ tarcocimab tedromer and tabirafusp tedromer, Roche’s vamikibart, Boehringer Ingelheim’s BI 764524, Merck’s Restoret, Adverum’s Ixo-vec, EyePoint Pharmaceuticals’ EYP-1901, Outlook Therapeutics’ ONS-5010, Ocular Therapeutix’s OTX-TKI, J&J’s JNJ-1887 and AAV-RPGR, Aviceda Therapeutics’ AVD-104, Annexon’s ANX007, Belite Bio’s LBS-008, Genentech’s RG6501, Regeneron’s pozelimab, cemdisiran, Beacon Therapeutics’ AGTC-501, Alkeus Pharmaceuticals’ ALK-001, Ascidian Therapeutics’ ACDN-01, Perfuse Therapeutics’ PER-001, Ocuvex Therapeutics’ PDP-716 and Ocular Therapeutix’s PAXTRAVA 

With numerous mechanisms of action in development—including gene therapies, sustained-release implants, and oral or topical options—physicians see potential for a shifting treatment landscape. However, they remain selective and pragmatic in their expectations. Ophthalmologists express cautious optimism, signaling a readiness to adopt new therapies only if they deliver on the promise of durability, accessibility, and meaningful improvements in patient outcomes.  

The latest Special Topix™ report includes responses from 102 U.S.-based retinal specialists and general ophthalmologists, collected between May 6 and June 9, 2025. Participants, who collectively represent a regionally representative and clinically active sample, provided insights on unmet needs, pipeline awareness, product anticipation, and patient candidacy across key ophthalmic indications—including nAMD, DME, GA, DR, Glaucoma, Stargardt and UME. As innovation accelerates and emerging therapies reshape expectations, Spherix will continue to monitor evolving sentiment and provide forward-looking intelligence to inform product strategy, market entry planning, and physician engagement initiatives. 

Special Topix™ is an independent service that includes access to a report or series of reports based on current events or topics of interest in specialty markets covered by Spherix. 

About Spherix Global Insights 

Spherix is a leading independent market intelligence and advisory firm that delivers commercial value to the global life sciences industry, across the brand lifecycle. 

The seasoned team of Spherix experts provides an unbiased and holistic view of the landscape within rapidly evolving specialty markets, including dermatology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, nephrology, neurology, ophthalmology, and hematology. Spherix clients stay ahead of the curve with the perspective of the extensive Spherix Physician Community. 

As a trusted advisor and industry thought leader, Spherix’s unparalleled market insights and advisory services empower clients to make better decisions and unlock opportunities for growth. 

To learn more about Spherix Global Insights, visit spherixglobalinsights.com or connect through LinkedIn. 

For more details on Spherix’s primary market research reports and interactive dashboard offerings, visit or register here: https://clientportal.spherixglobalinsights.com 

NOTICE: All company, brand or product names in this press release are trademarks of their respective holders. The findings and analysis addressed within are based on Spherix Global Insight’s analysis and do not imply a relationship with or endorsement of the companies or brands mentioned in this press release. 

Bob Shewbrooks, Ophthalmology Franchise Head
Spherix Global Insights
4848794284
bob.shewbrooks@spherixglobalinsights.com

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