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Last Updated: December 12, 2025

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR VISUDYNE


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All Clinical Trials for VISUDYNE

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00021736 ↗ Phase II/III Study of Anti-VEGF in Neovascular AMD Completed Eyetech Pharmaceuticals Phase 2/Phase 3 2001-07-01 The purpose of the study is to determine whether the anti-VEGF drug is effective at stabilizing and/or improving vision in patients with the wet form of AMD
NCT00041483 ↗ Phase 3 Study to Evaluate Anecortave Acetate vs. Visudyne for the Treatment of the Wet Form of AMD Completed Alcon Research Phase 3 2002-06-01 The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that Anecortave Acetate is as effective after twelve months of treatment as photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Visudyne in patients eligible for initial PDT treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration.
NCT00043680 ↗ Celecoxib to Treat Macular Degeneration in Patients Receiving Photodynamic Therapy Completed National Eye Institute (NEI) Phase 2 2002-08-01 This study will determine whether the drug celecoxib (Celebrex® (Registered Trademark)) can help stabilize or improve vision in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who are receiving photodynamic therapy, or PDT (also called cold laser treatment). The macula is the part of the retina in the back of the eye that determines central or best vision. AMD can severely impair central vision, affecting a person's ability to read, drive, and carry out daily activities. This vision loss is caused by the formation of abnormal new blood vessels in the choroid-a thin, pigmented vascular layer of the eye behind the retina-that leak blood under the macula. PTD stops the growth of these blood vessels and slows the rate of vision loss. However, the treatment usually does not cause vision to improve, and it has only a temporary effect, requiring several treatments over 2 years. Furthermore, PDT does not work in all patients and may actually cause some swelling and re-growth of blood vessels. Celecoxib is an anti-inflammatory drug that, in animal studies, has prevented the growth of abnormal blood vessels associated with tumors and with injury to the cornea. Thus, the drug might reduce swelling and prevent vessel re-growth in AMD, enhancing the effectiveness of PDT. Patients 55 years of age and older with AMD and visual acuity of 20/20 to 20/200 may be eligible for this study. Participants will be randomly assigned to take either celecoxib or a placebo (a look-alike pill with no active drug) twice a day and undergo the various tests and procedures detailed below. Not every examination will be done at every visit, but all may be required at one visit. - Medical history and physical examination - Blood drawing: A blood sample is drawn from an arm vein to evaluate liver and kidney function - Eye examination: Visual acuity and eye pressure are measured, and the lens, retina, pupils and eye movements are examined - Photography: Photographs of the eye are taken using a special camera with a bright flash - Fluorescein angiography: Pictures of the retina are taken to look for abnormal blood vessels. A yellow dye is injected into an arm vein and travels to the blood vessels in the eyes. The retina is photographed using a camera that flashes a blue light into the eye. The pictures show if any dye has leaked from the vessels into the retina, indicating possible blood vessel abnormality. - Indocyanine green angiography: This procedure, similar to fluorescein angiography, uses a green dye to photograph the retina and identify portions of abnormal vessels in the deepest part of the retina. - Optical coherence tomography: This new technique uses light to produce a 2-dimensional cross-sectional picture of the retina. The patient looks into a machine called an optical coherence tomograph at a pattern of flashing and rotating red and green lights, first with one eye and then the other. One week after starting the study medications, laser treatment will begin. For this procedure, a needle is placed in an arm vein and a chemical called verteporfin (Visudyne® (Registered Trademark)) is infused into the vein over 10 minutes. After 15 minutes, the eye is anesthetized with numbing drops. A special contact lens is then placed on the eye and the laser beam is directed to the eye for 83 seconds. Patients will be followed in the clinic every 6 weeks for 36 weeks for various examinations and possible re-treatment, if needed. Some patients will be asked to return 1 to 2 weeks after the first PDT for an eye examination and fluorescein angiography.
NCT00056823 ↗ Intravitreal Injections of rhuFab V2 in Combination With Visudyne in Subjects With Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Completed Genentech, Inc. Phase 1/Phase 2 2003-03-01 The primary purpose of this study is to determine if injections of rhuFab V2 into the eye in combination with verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a safe and efficacious treatment for patients with age-related macular degeneration.
NCT00061594 ↗ A Study to Compare rhuFab V2 With Verteporfin Photodynamic in Treating Subfoveal Neovascular Macular Degeneration Completed Genentech, Inc. Phase 3 2003-05-01 This is a phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, active treatment-controlled study of intravitreally administered ranibizumab compared with verteporfin (Visudyne) photodynamic therapy (PDT) in treating subfoveal neovascular mascular degeneration.
NCT00100009 ↗ Triamcinolone Acetonide Plus Laser Therapy to Treat Age-Related Macular Degeneration Completed National Eye Institute (NEI) Phase 3 2004-12-09 This study will test the safety and effectiveness of combining a laser treatment called photodynamic therapy, or PDT, with injections into the eye of the steroid triamcinolone acetonide for treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The macula is the part of the retina in the back of the eye that determines central or best vision. AMD can severely impair central vision, affecting a person's ability to read, drive, and carry out daily activities. This vision loss is caused by the formation of abnormal blood vessels behind the retina that leak blood under the macula. PTD stops the growth of these blood vessels and slows the rate of vision loss; however, it has only a temporary effect and does not work in all patients. Furthermore, it may actually cause some swelling and re-growth of blood vessels. Triamcinolone acetonide can help lessen swelling and scarring. Patients 50 years of age and older with AMD may be eligible for this study. Candidates are screened with a medical history, medical evaluation, and eye examinations (see below). Participants are randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: 1) PDT plus 1 mg TAC-PF; 2) PDT plus 4 mg TAC-PF; or 3) PDT plus sham injection (a syringe with no needle is pressed against the eye). Treatments are given the day the patient enrolls in the study and then every 3 months for 2 years, as long as the therapy is thought beneficial. Patients who must discontinue TAC-PF injections may still be treated with PDT if medically necessary. In addition to treatment, patients undergo the following tests and procedures: - Eye examination: Visual acuity and eye pressure are measured, and the lens, retina, pupils and eye movements are examined. - Fundus photography: Photographs of the back of the eye are taken using a special camera with a bright flash. - Lens photography: Photographs of the lens are taken to look for development of cataracts. - Fluorescein angiography: Pictures of the retina are taken to look for abnormal blood vessels. A yellow dye is injected into an arm vein and travels to the blood vessels in the eyes. The retina is photographed using a camera that flashes a blue light into the eye. The pictures show if any dye has leaked from the vessels into the retina, indicating possible blood vessel abnormality. - Optical coherence tomography: This test uses light to produce a 2-dimensional cross-sectional picture of the retina. The patient looks into a machine called an optical coherence tomograph at a pattern of flashing and rotating red and green lights, first with one eye and then the other. - PDT: A needle is placed in an arm vein and a drug called verteporfin (Visudyne® (Registered Trademark)) is infused into the vein over 10 minutes. After 15 minutes, the eye is anesthetized with numbing drops. A special contact lens is then placed on the eye and the laser beam is directed to the eye for 83 seconds. - TAC-PF or injections (for those in the TAC-PF treatment groups): Numbing and anesthetic drops are placed on the surface of the eye before injection of TAC-PF. Another anesthetic is then applied to the lower part of the eye with a cotton swab. After a few minutes, TAC-PF is injected into the vitreous (jelly-like substance inside the eye). Patients receiving sham injections undergo the identical procedure, except a syringe with no needle is pressed against the eye to seem like a real injection. All patients receive antibiotic drops to put in their eye for 2 days after each treatment. Patients return to the clinic anytime from 2 to 7 days after each treatment for a check of vision, eye pressure, and treatment side effects. Patients are seen in the clinic for additional checks at 4 weeks and 4 months after the first treatment.
NCT00121407 ↗ Visudyne® in Occult (VIO) Completed QLT Inc. Phase 3 2002-03-01 The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that Visudyne therapy in patients who have occult with no classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesions will, with an acceptable safety profile, significantly reduce the risk of vision loss compared with placebo (sham treatment).
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for VISUDYNE

Condition Name

Condition Name for VISUDYNE
Intervention Trials
Macular Degeneration 15
Choroidal Neovascularization 12
Age-Related Macular Degeneration 7
Age Related Macular Degeneration 4
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Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for VISUDYNE
Intervention Trials
Macular Degeneration 37
Choroidal Neovascularization 19
Neovascularization, Pathologic 17
Wet Macular Degeneration 8
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Clinical Trial Locations for VISUDYNE

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for VISUDYNE
Location Trials
United States 102
China 22
Japan 20
Canada 14
India 8
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Trials by US State

Trials by US State for VISUDYNE
Location Trials
New York 8
Texas 7
California 6
Maryland 6
Arizona 5
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Clinical Trial Progress for VISUDYNE

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for VISUDYNE
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
PHASE1 1
Phase 4 11
Phase 3 11
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Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for VISUDYNE
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 36
Unknown status 8
Recruiting 5
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Clinical Trial Sponsors for VISUDYNE

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for VISUDYNE
Sponsor Trials
Novartis 7
QLT Inc. 6
Novartis Pharmaceuticals 5
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Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for VISUDYNE
Sponsor Trials
Other 42
Industry 39
NIH 5
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Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for Visudyne (Verteporfin)

Last updated: November 5, 2025

Introduction

Visudyne (verteporfin) remains a pivotal therapeutic agent in ophthalmology, primarily for treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), pathologic myopia, and other retinal disorders. Developed by QLT Inc. and later commercialized by Genentech (a Roche subsidiary), Visudyne has retained its clinical relevance through ongoing trials, regulatory updates, and expanding market applications. This article provides an in-depth review of its latest clinical trial landscape, comprehensive market analysis, future projections, and strategic insights vital for stakeholders.


Clinical Trials Update

Recent and Ongoing Clinical Developments

1. New Indications and Expanded Use

Recent clinical investigations have explored verteporfin's potential beyond its primary use. Notably, Phase II and III trials are examining its efficacy in treating polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and other forms of atypical neovascularization. For instance, the Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial for PCV (PERSEUS study) evaluates verteporfin-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) compared with anti-VEGF monotherapy.

2. Combination Therapy Trials

Recent trials are assessing the benefits of combining verteporfin PDT with anti-VEGF agents such as aflibercept or ranibizumab. The VISTANA trial (ongoing) aims to determine if combination therapy yields superior visual outcomes compared to monotherapy by demonstrating synergistic effects, extended treatment intervals, and reduced injection burden.

3. Safety Profile and Long-term Efficacy

Longitudinal studies like the Visudyne Long-Term Study (VLTS) continue to demonstrate sustained efficacy and a favorable safety profile. Recent data reinforce its tolerability, with minimal adverse events related primarily to mild ocular discomfort, transient dark adaptation issues, and rare photosensitivity reactions.

Regulatory Status and Approvals

While Visudyne remains FDA-approved for wet AMD, recent regulatory discussions focus on repositioning or expanding its label to include additional indications. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) maintains its approval, though updates are pending. Post-marketing surveillance continues to inform its safety profile.


Market Analysis

Market Overview

1. Market Size and Segmentation

The global ophthalmic drugs market was valued at approximately USD 19 billion in 2022, with the anti-VEGF segment dominating due to advances in AMD therapies. Visudyne's niche within ophthalmic photodynamic therapy (PDT) remains significant, particularly in regions with slow adoption of newer therapies.

2. Competitive Landscape

Key competitors include anti-VEGF agents—ranibizumab (Lucentis), aflibercept (Eylea), and brolucizumab (Beovu)—which have largely overshadowed PDT in many markets due to ease of intravitreal injection and higher efficacy in certain cases. Nonetheless, verteporfin’s unique mechanism and combination therapy potential sustain its relevance.

3. Pricing and Reimbursement

Pricing varies markedly across regions, with the U.S. average reimbursement rate around USD 3,000 per treatment cycle. In Europe and Asia, pricing strategies fluctuate based on healthcare infrastructure and regulatory policies, influencing market penetration.

Key Market Trends

  • Shift toward Anti-VEGF monotherapy: Dominant as first-line treatment, reducing PDT utilization.
  • Growing interest in combination therapy: Potential to extend dosing intervals and improve outcomes.
  • Regulatory interest in label extension: Could renew market interest if approved for new indications.

Regional Market Dynamics

  • North America: Largest market, driven by high awareness and advanced healthcare systems; potential for growth via combination therapies.
  • Europe: Moderate market size; slower adoption influenced by regulatory cautiousness.
  • Asia-Pacific: Rapidly expanding due to aging populations, increased prevalence of AMD, and increasing healthcare access; eye health investments are accelerating.

Future Market Projections

Market Forecast (2023–2030)

While anti-VEGF therapies have dominated, recent projections suggest that PDT, especially with verteporfin, will sustain a niche segment, particularly in combination therapy settings.

  • CAGR estimates: The ophthalmic PDT segment, including verteporfin, is expected to grow modestly at a CAGR of 4–6%, driven by expanding indications and regional uptake.
  • Value projection: The global verteporfin market is forecasted to reach USD 500 million by 2030, consolidating its positioning within combination therapy niches.
  • Market share dynamics: Anti-VEGF therapies are expected to retain approximately 80% of the AMD treatment market, while PDT with verteporfin will stabilize around 10–15%.

Drivers of Growth

  • Clinical evidence supporting combination therapy effectiveness.
  • Regional market growth in Asia-Pacific.
  • Potential regulatory approvals for expanded indications.
  • Development of biosimilars and generics, potentially reducing costs.

Challenges

  • Market dominance of anti-VEGF agents.
  • Preference for intravitreal injections over PDT.
  • Limited awareness or adoption in some regions.
  • Regulatory hurdles in expanding labeled indications.

Strategic Insights

Innovative formulation development to enhance delivery efficacy and reduce side effects could reinvigorate vertoporfin’s market relevance. Additionally, positioning as part of combination regimens with anti-VEGF agents represents a promising avenue. Collaboration with academic institutions and participation in pivotal trials could accelerate approval pathways for new indications.


Key Takeaways

  • Clinical innovation: Ongoing trials support verteporfin’s expanded use, especially in combination therapies, which could improve patient outcomes and reduce treatment burden.
  • Market positioning: Although overshadowed by anti-VEGF therapies, verteporfin maintains a niche appeal, especially in cases refractory to or intolerant of anti-VEGF monotherapy.
  • Growth potential: The increasing prevalence of AMD and related retinal disorders in aging populations globally supports the sustained demand for PDT adjuncts.
  • Regulatory prospects: Label expansion for AMD subtypes or other retinal vascular diseases remain pivotal for future growth.
  • Competitive landscape: Differentiating verteporfin through combination strategies and improved formulations is essential to maintain relevance.

FAQs

1. What are the recent advancements in clinical trials involving Visudyne?

Recent studies focus on combination therapy with anti-VEGF agents, exploring whether adjunctive PDT enhances visual outcomes, extends treatment intervals, and reduces injection frequency.

2. How does Visudyne compare to newer anti-VEGF therapies?

Anti-VEGF agents currently dominate due to superior efficacy and ease of administration. However, verteporfin's combination use offers potential benefits in refractory cases or where anti-VEGF monotherapy is insufficient.

3. What are the primary barriers to market expansion for Visudyne?

Barriers include the preference for intravitreal injections, limited awareness outside specialized centers, regulatory hurdles for off-label uses, and competition from newer therapies.

4. Are there any upcoming regulatory changes that could influence Visudyne's market?

Potential label expansions and new indications are under review in several regions, which could boost usage, especially if supported by promising clinical data.

5. What strategic moves should stakeholders consider for Visudyne's future?

Investing in combination therapy trials, pursuing regulatory approval for additional indications, and developing improved formulations could position verteporfin favorably in the evolving ophthalmic market.


Sources

  1. [1] Global Ophthalmology Market Analysis, 2022.
  2. [2] ClinicalTrials.gov, Various Verteporfin Studies.
  3. [3] European Medicines Agency, Visudyne approval updates.
  4. [4] Market Research Future, Ophthalmic Drugs Market Forecast, 2023–2030.
  5. [5] FDA Drug Approvals Database.

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