Corneal Collagen Crosslinking for Keratoconus

(CXL Trial)

Overseen By Stacey Lazar

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 3

Sponsor: Cornea and Laser Eye Institute

Disqualifiers: Corneal disease, Pregnancy, Nystagmus, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Pivotal Trial (Near Approval) This treatment is in the last trial phase before FDA approval

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 30 minutes

170 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a treatment for individuals with keratoconus or corneal ectasia, conditions that thin and reshape the cornea into a cone, impairing vision. The trial evaluates the safety and effectiveness of two different riboflavin mixtures (a form of vitamin B2) used in corneal collagen crosslinking, a procedure that strengthens the cornea. Participants will receive one of the two riboflavin solutions during treatment. Suitable candidates have been diagnosed with keratoconus or corneal ectasia, exhibit specific corneal changes, and can refrain from wearing contact lenses for a week before the trial. As a Phase 3 trial, this study serves as the final step before FDA approval, allowing participants to contribute to a potentially groundbreaking treatment.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it does mention that contact lens wearers need to stop wearing them for a week before screening.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that both types of riboflavin solutions used in corneal collagen crosslinking are well-tolerated. The riboflavin-dextran solution has been tested on hundreds of patients with keratoconus, and safety data revealed that side effects were rare and usually mild, such as temporary eye discomfort or redness.

Similarly, studies suggest that the riboflavin-methylcellulose solution is also safe, with patients experiencing similar mild side effects. Both solutions have proven equally safe and effective for treating keratoconus.

Since this trial is in a later phase, earlier research has already demonstrated good safety, strongly suggesting that the treatment is generally safe for people. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Researchers are excited about these treatments for keratoconus because they involve corneal collagen crosslinking using riboflavin combined with different solutions — either dextran or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). Unlike traditional treatments like rigid gas-permeable contact lenses or corneal transplants, these methods aim to strengthen the cornea by increasing collagen bonds, potentially halting or even reversing the progression of keratoconus. The use of riboflavin with HPMC may enhance riboflavin absorption and minimize dehydration, offering a more effective and comfortable procedure. This novel approach could provide a less invasive and more efficient alternative to current standards, sparking enthusiasm among researchers and patients alike.

What evidence suggests that corneal collagen crosslinking with riboflavin is effective for keratoconus?

Research has shown that corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) with riboflavin can effectively slow down or even halt the progression of keratoconus. This treatment uses riboflavin and UV light to strengthen the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. In this trial, participants will receive either the riboflavin/dextran solution or the riboflavin/methylcellulose solution. One study found both solutions equally safe and effective for treating keratoconus. Another study confirmed that riboflavin with methylcellulose improves corneal stability. Overall, CXL with riboflavin has reduced the need for more invasive surgeries, like corneal transplants, by preventing keratoconus from worsening. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Peter S Hersh, MD

Principal Investigator

Cornea and Laser Eye Institute Hersh Vision Group

Steven A Greenstein, MD

Principal Investigator

Cornea and Laser Eye Institute, Hersh Vision Group

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people aged 12 or older with keratoconus or corneal ectasia, who can remove their contact lenses a week before testing and attend follow-up visits. Pregnant individuals, those with thin corneas, previous eye conditions that may cause complications, or sensitivity to study medications cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

My condition is related to a cone-shaped cornea or corneal thinning after surgery.

Presence of central or inferior steepening on the Pentacam map

I am 12 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

Eyes classified as either normal, atypical normal, or keratoconus suspect on the severity grading scheme

Patients with a current condition that, in the investigator's opinion, would interfere with or prolong epithelial healing

Pregnancy (including plan to become pregnant) or lactation during the course of the study

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive corneal collagen crosslinking using either riboflavin/dextran or riboflavin/methylcellulose solution with UVA light exposure

30 minutes

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with evaluations of maximum keratometry and visual acuity

12 months

Multiple visits (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Riboflavin

Trial Overview The trial tests the safety and effectiveness of two isotonic riboflavin solutions in reducing corneal curvature through corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) in patients with keratoconus or post-surgical corneal ectasia.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: CXL using Riboflavin/Dextran solution Active Control 1 Intervention

Corneal collagen crosslinking using 0.1% riboflavin mixed with 20% dextran

Group II: CXL usinng Riboflavin/Methylcellulose solution Active Control 1 Intervention

Corneal collagen crosslinking using 0.1% riboflavin mixed with 1.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose ( HPMC)

Riboflavin is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Riboflavin ophthalmic solution for:

• Progressive keratoconus
• Corneal ectasia following refractive surgery

Approved in European Union as Riboflavin ophthalmic solution for:

• Progressive keratoconus
• Corneal ectasia following refractive surgery

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Cornea and Laser Eye Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

10

Recruited

1,100+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Corneal cross-linking using riboflavin and UV light is a safe procedure, as none of the patients experienced a loss in best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) after treatment.

The treatment effectively halted the progression of keratoconus in all patients, with a notable reduction in corneal curvature and improvements in unaided visual acuity over six months, although some changes were not statistically significant.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Corneal Cross-linking for the treatment of keratoconus: preliminary results]. Jankov, MR., Hafezi, F., Beko, M., et al.[2019]

In a study of 49 eyes from 47 patients with progressive keratoconus and thin corneas, both corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) with hypoosmolar riboflavin and standard CXL showed significant improvements in uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity after 3 years, with no significant differences between the two methods.

Both treatment groups demonstrated safety, as there was no significant endothelial cell loss or sight-threatening complications, and no progression of keratoconus was observed in any patient.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-term visual, refractive, tomographic and aberrometric outcomes of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) with or without hypoosmolar riboflavin solution in the treatment of progressive keratoconus patients with thin corneas. Celik Buyuktepe, T., Ucakhan, OO.[2022]

Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) using dextran-free isotonic riboflavin solution is a safe treatment for keratoconus, with no reported intraoperative or postoperative complications in a study of 26 patients.

At a 6-month follow-up, patients showed significant improvements in best corrected visual acuity and reductions in maximum keratometry and corneal thickness, indicating effective short-term outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Six-month outcomes of corneal crosslinking with dextran-free isotonic riboflavin solution. Oltulu, R., Satirtav, G., Donbaloglu, M., et al.[2017]

In a study of 57 eyes from 55 patients with progressive keratoconus, corneal crosslinking (CXL) with riboflavin led to significant improvements in best corrected visual acuity and reductions in key corneal measurements over a 24-month follow-up period.

CXL was effective in stabilizing keratoconus, as evidenced by a decrease in keratometry readings and corneal volume, while maintaining its efficacy even as the cornea began to recover its original volume after the initial treatment phase.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-term results of corneal collagen crosslinking for progressive keratoconus. De Bernardo, M., Capasso, L., Lanza, M., et al.[2022]

Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) using riboflavin and UV light is a safe and effective treatment for keratoconus, showing significant improvements in uncorrected visual acuity from a mean of 1.18 to 0.46 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution over 12 months in a study of 10 eyes.

The procedure also resulted in significant reductions in keratometry values and spherical equivalent, indicating a decrease in corneal steepness and improved corneal shape, with 80% of eyes showing decreased elevation values, although long-term follow-up is necessary to fully assess its benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Riboflavin/Ultraviolet A corneal collagen cross-linking for the treatment of keratoconus: visual outcomes and Scheimpflug analysis. Henriquez, MA., Izquierdo, L., Bernilla, C., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 20 eyes of 19 patients, riboflavin-UV-A cross-linking significantly improved uncorrected visual acuity by an average of 4.15 lines and best corrected visual acuity by 1.65 lines after one year, indicating its effectiveness in treating keratoconus.

The treatment also stabilized corneal shape, with a reduction in keratometry readings and improvements in corneal symmetry, demonstrating that this method not only enhances vision but also addresses the underlying issues of keratoconus safely.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Collagen cross-linking with riboflavin and ultraviolet-A light in keratoconus: One-year results. Arbelaez, MC., Sekito, MB., Vidal, C., et al.[2022]

In a long-term study of 44 keratoconic eyes treated with riboflavin ultraviolet A collagen cross-linking, the procedure demonstrated significant stability of keratoconus over an average follow-up of 52.4 months, with no major side effects reported.

Patients experienced notable improvements in visual acuity, with an average increase of 1.9 Snellen lines for best spectacle-corrected vision and 2.7 lines for uncorrected vision, alongside reductions in corneal irregularities and aberrations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-term results of riboflavin ultraviolet a corneal collagen cross-linking for keratoconus in Italy: the Siena eye cross study. Caporossi, A., Mazzotta, C., Baiocchi, S., et al.[2022]

In a study of 23 eyes from 13 patients with progressive keratoconus, riboflavin-UV-A corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) significantly improved uncorrected and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity after 12 months, indicating its efficacy in managing this condition.

The procedure also stabilized corneal shape by flattening the steepest keratometry readings, while showing no significant adverse effects on intraocular pressure or endothelial cell count, suggesting it is a safe treatment option.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Corneal collagen cross-linking in the treatment of progressive keratoconus-preliminary results]. Li, G., Fan, ZJ., Peng, XJ.[2014]

In a study involving 25 eyes from 21 patients, combining corneal collagen cross-linking with riboflavin (C3-R) with inferior-segment Intacs significantly improved keratoconus outcomes compared to Intacs alone, showing greater reductions in cylinder measurements and keratometry values.

The results indicate that the addition of C3-R enhances the effectiveness of Intacs in treating keratoconus, leading to better overall corneal shape and stability.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of inferior-segment Intacs with and without C3-R on keratoconus. Chan, CC., Sharma, M., Wachler, BS.[2022]

Accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) with riboflavin showed significant improvement in uncorrected distance visual acuity and reduced maximum keratometry readings in 39 eyes of 22 patients over a 6-month period, indicating its effectiveness in treating keratoconus.

The study found no significant changes in endothelial cell density post-treatment, suggesting that accelerated CXL is a safe option that does not adversely affect corneal health while effectively halting the progression of keratoconus.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

High-irradiance accelerated collagen crosslinking for the treatment of keratoconus: six-month results. Mita, M., Waring, GO., Tomita, M.[2022]

In a study involving 7 patients with progressive keratoconus, high-fluence corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) at 18 mW/cm² for 5 minutes did not significantly affect endothelial cell density or the speed of epithelial healing, indicating a favorable safety profile.

No significant changes were observed in keratometric readings or corrected distance visual acuity at 1 and 6 months postoperatively, suggesting that while the preliminary results are promising, further research is needed to fully evaluate the efficacy of this treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety profile of high-fluence corneal collagen cross-linking for progressive keratoconus: preliminary results from a prospective cohort study. Gatzioufas, Z., Richoz, O., Brugnoli, E., et al.[2022]

Both the Sina Darou and Uznach formulations of Riboflavin were found to be equally effective in improving visual acuity and corneal topography in 60 keratoconus patients after 6 months of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL).

The Sina Darou formulation resulted in a greater decrease in corneal hysteresis compared to the Uznach formulation, suggesting potential differences in their effects on corneal biomechanical properties, which will be further evaluated in long-term studies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of clinical results of two pharmaceutical products of riboflavin in corneal collagen cross-linking for keratoconus. Hashemi, H., Seyedian, MA., Miraftab, M., et al.[2021]

A study involving 100 eyes from 61 patients with progressive keratoconus found that both 0.1% riboflavin solutions used in corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) were equally safe and effective, with no significant differences in visual and corneal measurements after 12 months.

No serious complications occurred in either group during or after the procedure, indicating that both riboflavin solutions can be safely used for treating keratoconus.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Prospective, Comparative, Clinical Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Two Different 0.1% Riboflavin Solutions Used in Collagen Crosslinking Treatment for Patients with Keratoconus. Brar, S., Ganesh, S., Reddy, SS., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30284383/

Superior Outcome of Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking ... Purpose: To compare the effect of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) on progressive keratoconus using 0.1% riboflavin with either dextran ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01152541

NCT01152541 | Corneal Collagen Crosslinking for ... Drug : Riboflavin/Dextran. Administration of riboflavin/dextran every 2 minutes for the duration of UV exposure. Other Names: Riboflavin in a dextran solution ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8232965/

A Prospective, Comparative, Clinical Study to Evaluate the ... Both riboflavin formulations were found to be equally safe and effective in the management of progressive keratoconus in the present randomized comparison ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1350946224000417

Crosslinking with UV-A and riboflavin in progressive ... Riboflavin solution, ultraviolet A light, and oxygen stiffen corneal stroma. •. Cross-linking is safe; slows or even halts the progression of ectasia, which is ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2162098923007399

Review Article Corneal Crosslinking: Present and Future Corneal crosslinking (CXL) has emerged as an effective method to halt the progression of keratoconus and reduce the number of patients requiring keratoplasty.

6. accessdata.fda.gov accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2025/203324s010lbl.pdf

HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION These ... The safety of the corneal collagen cross-linking procedure was evaluated in 3 randomized, parallel-group, open-label, sham-controlled trials; patients were ...

7. glaukos.com glaukos.com/prescribing-information/photrexa-viscous-and-photrexa/

Photrexa® Viscous & Photrexa® | Prescribing Information The safety of the corneal collagen cross-linking procedure was evaluated ... Safety data were obtained from: 193 randomized CXL study eyes (102 keratoconus ...

8. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04897503

Corneal Collagen Crosslinking for Keratoconus and ... This study will determine the safety and efficacy of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) performed with two different riboflavin formulations for reducing ...

9. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3413959/

Safety and Efficacy of Epithelium-On Corneal Collagen Cross ... Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of epithelium-on corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) using a multifactorial approach to achieve proper stromal ...

10. anthem.com anthem.com/medpolicies/abc/active/gl_pw_e000230.html

CG-SURG-105 Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking This document addresses corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL, also known as 3-CR or C3R), a photochemical treatment of progressive keratoconus and other corneal ...