Aiken

Researchers are exploring new treatment options for neovascular age-related macular degeneration NVAMD, a condition affecting the eyes. This trial aims to compare a new medicine called tiespectus also known as MK-8748 or EYE201 with the standard treatment aflibercept to see if tiespectus works as well in treating NVAMD. The study includes adults aged 50 and older who have not previously received treatment for this condition. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups tiespectus low dose, tiespectus high dose, or aflibercept. Those in the tiespectus groups will receive three initial injections every 4 weeks, followed by injections every 8 weeks up to week 48. After week 48, treatment will continue at intervals based on individual response until week 92. The aflibercept group will receive three initial injections followed by injections every 8 weeks until week 92. During the study, participants will have their vision tested using the Best-Corrected Visual Acuity BCVA score and their eye structure examined with imaging techniques. Researchers will monitor changes in vision over one year and track any side effects up to approximately 96 weeks. Participants will attend regular visits for treatment and assessments throughout the study period lasting about 92 weeks.

Researchers are comparing the rates of surgical and minimally invasive interventions, as well as any harms, in Medicare beneficiaries treated with the MILD procedure versus those treated with interspinous process decompression IPD for lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication. This observational study uses Medicare claims data to follow patients for 24 months after their initial procedure starting from January 1, 2017. The purpose is to evaluate outcomes between these two types of procedures without requiring prior patient enrollment or consent. The study includes two groups patients who received MILD, which is a percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression performed under fluoroscopic guidance through a dorsal approach to the spine, and patients who received IPD, a different device-based decompression procedure. Data on reoperations and complications will be collected for both groups over a 24-month follow-up period using Medicare claims. Enrollment continues until the sponsor decides to stop. Participants involvement is passive as the study uses existing Medicare claims data. Researchers will monitor rates of harms related to the initial procedure and subsequent surgical or minimally invasive interventions over two years. No direct patient visits or interventions are conducted, and the study is exempt from institutional review board oversight. The total study duration extends to December 2026, covering cases treated since early 2017.