Emerging Treatments for Non-infectious Uveitis

The primary goals of treatment in patients with non-infectious uveitis (NIU) are to control ocular inflammation and prevent sight-threatening complications such as macular edema and glaucoma. Systemic corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment in NIU of the posterior segment (NIU-PS); however, long-term use is associated with treatment-limiting adverse effects. The need for agents with improved safety and tolerability coupled with recent insights into the pathogenesis of NIU-PS have led to the development of novel targeted interventions that potentially reduce or eliminate systemic corticosteroid exposure. Targeted interventions include intraocular drug delivery systems that provide high local concentrations at the site of inflammation with low systemic exposure and therapeutic agents, such as monoclonal antibodies that target specific pro-inflammatory cytokines and cytokine-mediated signaling pathways. The expanding range of therapeutic options enhances the ability to tailor therapy according to individual patient circumstances and optimize outcomes in patients with NIU-PS.