Iluvien (fluocinolone acetonide) implants provide prolonged benefits for uveitis patients

Clinical Pharmacy Congress North – Congress highlights

A drug-eluting implant has been shown to reverse cystoid macular oedema and reduce the need for systemic treatment in 80% of uveitis patients according to a real-world study presented by Ann-Marie Goacher (University Hospitals Sussex).

Uveitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the middle part of the eye (the uvea or uveal tract). It is often associated with systemic inflammatory (auto-immune) disease but many cases are idiopathic. Although uveitis is relatively rare it is important because it is a sight-threatening condition. Treatment involves the use of corticosteroids (first line) and immunosuppressant treatment (second line).

Iluvien (Alimera Sciences Ltd), a fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant has been developed to provide a continuous microdose of corticosteroid over an extended period.

The present study was undertaken to determine how these implants perform in a real-world setting.

Patient data for a five-year period were reviewed. This involved 45 eyes from 34 patients, 65% of whom were female.

Key findings included:

• The mean time to treatment failure (reactivation of disease) was 15 months.
• At 6 months, 80% of patients had a resolution of cystoid macular oedema.
• 84% of patients on systemic treatment were able to reduce their doses and 15% were able to stop all systemic treatment
• 58% of patients experienced improved vision.
• 14 eyes developed cataracts, a known complication of corticosteroid treatment; all had previously received dexamethasone implants.

The authors concluded that Iluvien offers significant benefits in managing inflammation and improving visual outcomes.

Goacher A-M, Ortiz G, Hughes E, Davidson C. Evaluating the use of Iluvien in uveitis patients in a real-world clinical setting. Poster presentation. Clinical Pharmacy Congress North, November 2025

Photo: Ann-Marie Goacher