A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating Fenofibrate for Prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy Worsening

Summary

This randomized trial will evaluate the effect of fenofibrate compared with placebo for prevention of diabetic retinopathy (DR) worsening through 6 years of follow-up in eyes with mild to moderately severe non-proliferative DR (NPDR) and no CI-DME at baseline. In addition to evaluating efficacy, this study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a model for ophthalmologists to prescribe or collaborate with a primary care provider such as an internist/endocrinologist to prescribe and monitor the drug safely. If this study demonstrates that fenofibrate is effective for reducing the onset of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) or and the results are adopted by the community of retina specialists, a new strategy to prevent vision threatening complications of diabetes could be widely adopted. Widespread use of an oral agent effective at reducing worsening of DR would decrease the numbers of patients who undergo more invasive and much more expensive treatment for DR and who are consequently at risk for side effects that adversely affect visual function. This study will also assess the relationship of glycemic variability, as measured by continuous glucose monitoring with DR outcomes. Ancillary studies will characterize functional and structural outcomes in this cohort.

Eligibility

Age range

18–80 years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

No

Interventions

• Drug
  Fenofibrate

  Participants begin with a dose of either 160mg or 54mg fenofibrate, based on eGFR value at screening, taken once daily with food. The dose may be adjusted during follow-up based on protocol guidelines.

• Other
  Placebo

  Participants begin with a dose of either 160mg or 54mg placebo, based on eGFR value at screening, taken once daily with food. The dose may be adjusted during follow-up based on protocol guidelines.

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