A new study showed fenofibrate, a drug traditionally used to lower cholesterol, can significantly reduce the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Announced at the recent American Diabetes Association meeting and published in NEMJ Evidence, the study found a 27% reduction in the risk of DR advancing among participants taking fenofibrate compared with those on a placebo. The LENS trial, coordinated by Oxford Population Health, included 1,151 adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes from Scotland, all of whom had early to moderate stages of the disease. Key findings included:

• A 27% lower risk of needing specialist care for DR or maculopathy over four years for those taking fenofibrate
• A reduced risk of developing macular oedema and needing treatment for retinopathy in the fenofibrate group
• Similar benefits of fenofibrate for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients, regardless of kidney function

Dr David Preiss, lead author and associate professor at Oxford Population Health, emphasised the need for accessible treatments. “We need simple strategies that can be widely used to reduce the progression of diabetic eye disease. Fenofibrate may therefore provide a valuable addition.” Dr Lucy Chambers, head of research communications at Diabetes UK, said acting early can stop the first signs of damage progressing into devastating sight loss. “We’re excited by the positive results from this major trial of a new treatment to slow progression of eye damage.”

The trial was a collaborative effort involving Oxford Population Health, several Scottish universities and NHS Scotland’s diabetic eye screening service.