Steroid Therapy for Anti-VEGF Refractory Retinal Conditions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Certain retinal eye conditions, such as neovascular AMD and diabetic retinopathy, become refractory to anti-VEGF treatments, leading to poor or no response over time, and long-term use can cause vascular insufficiency and atrophy, necessitating alternative therapies.

Innovation Solution

Administration of therapeutically effective amounts of steroids, particularly mineralocorticoids or glucocorticoids, following anti-VEGF treatment to modulate steroid receptors and treat refractory retinal conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If anti-VEGF treatments are used to treat retinal eye conditions, then vascular permeability is reduced and abnormal blood vessel growth is inhibited, but long-term use causes vascular insufficiency and retinal atrophy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidvascular insufficiency and atrophy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the therapeutic parameter from anti-VEGF agents to steroids (mineralocorticoids or glucocorticoids), representing a fundamental parameter change in the treatment approach. This allows treatment of refractory cases while avoiding the cumulative harmful effects of long-term anti-VEGF use, including vascular insufficiency and atrophy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuing with the same anti-VEGF mechanism that has caused harm, the patent inverts the approach by using steroids that work through a completely different mechanism (steroid receptor modulation). This inversion of treatment strategy addresses refractory conditions while avoiding the cumulative toxicity of prolonged anti-VEGF therapy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If anti-VEGF treatments are administered repeatedly over time, then initial treatment response is achieved, but the condition becomes refractory with reduced efficacy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial treatment responseVSAvoidtreatment duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by switching from anti-VEGF agents to steroids when the condition becomes refractory. This parameter change restores treatment efficacy in cases where prolonged anti-VEGF use has led to reduced response, allowing continued treatment without the same refractory limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuity of useful action by providing an alternative treatment mechanism (steroids) that maintains therapeutic effect in refractory cases. This allows treatment to continue effectively over time without the diminishing returns associated with prolonged anti-VEGF therapy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If steroids are administered to treat refractory retinal conditions, then alternative treatment options are provided and inflammation is modulated, but the mechanism differs from standard anti-VEGF therapy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment optionsVSAvoidtreatment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using steroids that can treat multiple refractory retinal conditions through a single mechanism (steroid receptor modulation). This provides a versatile treatment option for various anti-VEGF refractory conditions including neovascular AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and other retinal vascular diseases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Provides improved treatment outcomes and increased options for conditions refractory to anti-VEGF agents, reducing inflammation and promoting vascular health.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSteroid receptor modulation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250387410A1Treatment of Anti-VEGF refractory ophthalmic retinal eye conditions

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 EYE CO PTY LTD

AI summary

A method for treating a subject having a retinal eye condition that is refractory to anti-VEGF treatments is disclosed. The method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of one or more steroids subsequent to anti-VEGF treatment, thereby treating the retinal eye condition. Also disclosed is a method for treating a subject having a retinal eye condition that is refractory to anti-VEGF treatments, the method comprising a therapeutically effective amount of one or more compounds capable of modulating an activity of a steroid receptor, subsequent to anti-VEGF treatment. Further disclosed is a method for treating a subject having a retinal eye condition that is refractory to anti-VEGF treatments comprising administering a therapeutically acceptable formulation of a steroid, and at least a second therapeutically active compound in a concentration and dose sufficient to ameliorate the retinal eye condition, subsequent to anti-VEGF treatment.