Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea — the middle layer of the eye encompassing the iris, ciliary body, and choroid — and is a leading cause of preventable blindness in working-age adults. It may be associated with systemic autoimmune conditions such as sarcoidosis, ankylosing spondylitis, or Behçet's disease, or may arise as an isolated ocular condition. Recurrent attacks can damage the retina, lens, and optic nerve if not effectively controlled.
What's actually going on in research
Corticosteroids delivered locally or systemically remain the cornerstone of acute uveitis treatment. Steroid-sparing biologic agents — particularly adalimumab, now FDA-approved for non-infectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis — have become an important option for chronic and recurrent cases. Trials are testing new biologics including IL-6 inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, and JAK inhibitors in uveitis associated with specific systemic diseases, as well as sustained-release intraocular drug delivery implants that avoid systemic side effects.
New biologic therapies
IL-6 inhibitors (tocilizumab), Janus kinase inhibitors, and IL-17 blockers are in trials for uveitis subtypes that do not respond adequately to anti-TNF therapy or that are associated with specific systemic conditions.
Sustained-release implants
Intraocular implants delivering corticosteroids or biologics over months to years are being developed to maintain remission without the side effects of systemic therapy or frequent injections.
JAK inhibitors in uveitis
Oral JAK inhibitors are being studied in uveitis associated with ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and other systemic inflammatory conditions where systemic control is needed.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically requires confirmed non-infectious uveitis diagnosis, active or recurrent disease, and often documented failure of corticosteroids or prior biologic therapy.
What types of trials are currently open
- Biologic therapy trials — Testing anti-IL-6, anti-IL-17, and JAK inhibitors in chronic or refractory non-infectious uveitis.
- Drug delivery device trials — Evaluating sustained-release intraocular implants for posterior uveitis and panuveitis.
- Pediatric uveitis trials — Studying biologics and steroid-sparing agents specifically in children with JIA-associated uveitis.
- Behçet disease ocular trials — Testing targeted biologics in the severe ocular manifestations of Behçet disease.
- Imaging and biomarker studies — Using advanced retinal imaging to monitor treatment response and detect subclinical inflammation.
Recently added Uveitis trials
A Phase II Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of FXS5626 in Patients With NIU
The purpose of this study is to find out the efficacy and safety of oral FXS5626 in participants with active, non-anterior (intermediate, posterior, or pan) non-infectious uveitis (NIU).
A Study of Uveitis in Children <18 Years of Age
The goal of this observational study is to collect data regarding clinical features and current/past treatments in children under 18 with uveitis. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What are the frequency of uveitis subtypes in children? * What are clinical and demographic characteristics overall and within each type of uveitis? Participants will complete one enrollment visit with their doctor. Participants with uveitis onset \<6 months from enrollment date will also partake in a 12 month chart review.
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