In an exclusive interview with ETPharma, Dr. Ashish Gawde, Country Medical Director, Pharmaceuticals, South Asia, Bayer, shed light on the critical challenges faced by patients battling retinal diseases. He emphasized the need for innovative solutions to address financial burdens, geographical disparities, and a general lack of awareness surrounding these conditions. The interview underscores the potential of technology to revolutionize diagnosis and treatment. Edited excerpts are below:
Q: What are the biggest challenges patients with retinal diseases face in accessing treatments?
Dr. Gawde explained that financial constraints and emotional distress rank high on the list. “The most pressing challenges include the financial and emotional burdens associated with frequent, long-term treatments for conditions such as Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) and Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).” These treatments often require sustained commitment, potentially impacting adherence as patients juggle immediate needs with ongoing care. Accessing timely and effective treatment, he stressed, remains a significant hurdle.
Geographical inequalities further complicate the situation. “Individuals in rural or underserved areas may need to travel long distances to reach specialized care, which can impact adherence and lead to delays in treatment.” Furthermore, the lack of widespread awareness contributes to delayed diagnoses. Individuals often seek treatment only after substantial vision loss. This underscores the critical need for comprehensive education on early warning signs and the importance of routine eye exams, even when seemingly healthy. The lack of accessible information in different language further eacerbates the problem.
To combat these challenges, Bayer has introduced initiatives such as the “Eylea 4 U” program, designed to ensure timely access to treatment. Collaborations with organizations like Arogya Finance enhance their reach, ensuring patients receive the necessary care for optimal outcomes.
Q: How has EYLEA changed the landscape of treatment for retinal diseases?
The launch of Eylea (aflibercept solution) marked a pivotal shift in managing conditions like wet AMD and DME. Dr. Gawde asserted that Eylea has proven clinically superior to other available options. “Now, with the new dose regimen, Eylea offers similar efficacy but with fewer injections. The dosing regimen can be personalized based on each patient’s unique needs.” This advance not only improves adherence but also elevates the patient’s overall quality of life, empowering them to maintain independence.
Eylea’s development signifies a broader shift toward personalized treatment strategies. This approach customizes care while minimizing the burden associated with frequent injections, common in previous treatment plans.
Q: How do you envision technology evolving in the treatment and management of eye diseases?
Dr. Gawde expressed excitement about the transformative potential of technology in ophthalmology. Innovations like artificial intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing diagnostic accuracy, enabling earlier detection of conditions such as Diabetic Retinopathy and AMD. This means timelier interventions and, ultimately, better vision preservation.
Telemedicine also plays a vital role, connecting patients in remote areas with specialized care, overcoming logistical challenges. This enhanced accessibility is crucial for populations that might otherwise delay necessary treatment. The implementation of AI in automated screening programs is, however, not without its own hurdles in tems of data privacy and security.
This optimism is countered by existing realities. The cost of these high-tech solutions, and the skill needed to use them, often means poorer communities are left behind.
Q: How is Bayer working towards making eye disease treatment options more accessible in India?
Bayer is committed to enhancing treatment accessibility across India, particularly in underserved areas. Programs like the Eylea Easy Pay program offer flexible payment options to improve access to Eylea. Dr. Gawde noted that such initiatives provide manageable payment solutions for patients undergoing treatment, reducing logistical burdens and promoting adherence.
Beyond financial aid, Bayer conducts outreach programs emphasizing regular eye exams and early intervention. Engaging with communities aims to educate patients on the risks of untreated retinal diseases and empower them to seek timely care. Few could have predicted it, but these outreach programs have already had significant impact. Local reports are showing a rise in the number of patients showing up for early screenings.
Q: How do you see the future of ophthalmology and treatments in eye care?
Dr. Gawde believes ophthalmology is on the cusp of remarkable advancements, driven by continuous innovation in treatments and preventive care. He expressed optimism about emerging therapies, including gene therapies, promising solutions for genetic retinal disorders. Breakthroughs are anticipated that will address previously untreatable conditions, significantly improving patients’ quality of life.
He highlighted the integration of technology , particularly AI and telehealth , to improve diagnostic accuracy and broaden access to care. A growing emphasis on preventive measures aims to reduce vision loss caused by conditions like Wet AMD and DME through early detection and intervention.
Bayer is committed to playing a pivotal role in this evolving landscape by investing in research, developing innovative therapies, and forging partnerships to advance eye care. Their overarching aspiration is a future where preventable blindness is significantly reduced, and everyone has access to comprehensive eye care. The comapny’s website has additional resouces dedicated to the subject.
The challanges facing eye-care, as outlined by Dr. Gawde, are complex. Ultimately, decisions regarding funding, infrastucture, and the adoption of new technologies need to be made, sooner rather than later. This requires a careful balancing act: investing in innovative solutions while ensuring equitable access for all. The coming years will undoubtedly be decisive in shaping the future of eye care, and in determining who will benefit from the advancements on the horizon.
- Financial burdens limit access to long-term treatments.
- Geographical disparities create barriers for rural communities.
- Lack of awareness leads to late diagnoses.
- Technology offers the potential for earlier and more accurate diagnoses.
- Telemedicine can bridge the gap for remote patients.