Common Cholesterol-Lowering Drug May Slow the Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy

Novel findings from the Lowering Events in Non-proliferative retinopathy in Scotland (LENS) Trial showed that the use fenofibrate, a commonly used lipid-lowering drug, significantly reduces the progression of diabetic retinopathy. The results were presented at a symposium during the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) 84th Scientific Sessions in Orlando, FL, and were simultaneously published in NEJM Evidence.

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss worldwide, with increasing prevalence in many regions over the last 30 years. The condition is caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to serious vision problems and even blindness, highlighting the importance of effectively managing blood glucose levels.

In this randomized controlled trial, researchers from Scotland’s Diabetic Eye Screening (DES) program assessed 1,151 adults with early diabetic retinopathy or maculopathy. The population of interest were assigned to receive either 145 mg fenofibrate tablets or placebo. The primary end point was a composite measure of developing referable diabetic retinopathy or maculopathy, or requiring treatment with laser, intravitreal injection or vitrectomy.

The results showed that participants taking fenofibrate saw a 27% reduction in the progression of their diabetic retinopathy compared to those taking the placebo (22.7% vs. 29.2%), a result that was highly statistically significant. Moreover, taking fenofibrate reduced the chance of any progression of retinopathy and it cut the risk of developing macular edema.

“Diabetic retinopathy remains a leading cause of visual loss and we need simple strategies that can be widely used to reduce the progression of diabetic eye disease,” said Dr. David Preiss, MRCP, FRCPath, PhD, Associate Professor at Oxford Population Health via a press release. “Results from the LENS trial suggest that fenofibrate may provide a valuable addition to treat people with diabetic retinopathy.”