RARE DISEASE
Non-infectious anterior uveitis
Non-infectious anterior uveitis
Non-infectious anterior uveitis
Synonyms: Non-infectious iridocyclitis
Synonyms: Non-infectious iridocyclitis
Synonyms: Non-infectious iridocyclitis
Drug discovery
10
drugs
With orphan designations
Overview
Non-infectious anterior uveitis (NIAU) involves inflammation of the iris and ciliary body, accounting for 80% of non-infectious uveitis cases [9][14]. It is strongly associated with HLA-B27 positivity (20-50% of cases) and systemic autoimmune conditions like ankylosing spondylitis [16][19]. Clinical features include acute-onset ocular pain, photophobia, and anterior chamber cells; untreated cases risk synechiae, glaucoma, and cataracts [3][20].
Burden
Economic: Annual medical costs average $7,834 per patient, rising to $23,619 in blindness-related complications [4][9]
Clinical: 22% risk of chronic/recurrent inflammation, with 15-30% developing secondary glaucoma or cataracts [14][16]
Workforce: Responsible for 5-20% of preventable blindness in developed nations, disproportionately affecting employed adults [9][19][16]
Therapies
First-line: Topical corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone acetate) with cycloplegics (e.g., cyclopentolate) [3][20]
Refractory/Chronic: Systemic immunomodulators (methotrexate, mycophenolate) or anti-TNF agents (adalimumab) [6][8]
Complication management: Intraocular pressure control with glaucoma medications (30-60% require treatment) [1][4]
Categories: rare ophthalmic disorders
Research Papers
440 drug discovery papers about Non-infectious anterior uveitis, with 3 first-in-class and 1 next-in-class emerging drug candidates forecasted to outperform the average preclinical success rate. Recent publications:
440 drug discovery papers about Non-infectious anterior uveitis, with 3 first-in-class and 1 next-in-class emerging drug candidates forecasted to outperform the average preclinical success rate. Recent publications:
2026-05-30 | Clinical outcomes of weekly adalimumab in refractory non-infectious paediatric uveitis and the role of serum drug levels and anti-adalimumab antibodies.
Adalimumab (ADA) is a well-established treatment for refractory paediatric uveitis; however, some patients remain inadequately controlled on standard biweekly dosing. Weekly ADA injections are increasingly used, though evidence in paediatric cohorts remains limited. This study evaluates outcomes of escalation to weekly ADA in children with refractory uveitis and explores the relevance of serum drug levels and anti-ADA antibodies (AAA). Patients with idiopathic uveitis at two tertiary centres in the UK treated with weekly adalimumab were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected, including age at escalation, systemic diagnosis, serum ADA levels, AAA titres pre- and post-escalation, clinical response and complications. Treatment success was defined as ≤0.5+ anterior chamber cells and <2 drops/day of steroid eye drops at 3 months, or most recent follow-up where escalation occurred within 3 months of review. 15 patients were included. Mean age at escalation was 11 years (range: 3-17). 11 (73%) had a systemic diagnosis; most commonly juvenile idiopathic arthritis (60%). Median serum level pre-escalation was 10.1 mg/L (IQR: 7.8-11.9) and 18.1 mg/L (IQR: 14.8-22.1) post escalation. AAAs were detectable in 7/15 (47%) pre-escalation, 2/15 (13.3%) post-escalation. Success occurred in 10/15 (67%), with visual acuity stable and improved in 93%. No serious systemic adverse events were reported. Weekly ADA offers a safe and effective treatment alternative for children with refractory uveitis, including those with AAAs. These findings support its inclusion in future treatment pathways, though the predictive value of serum levels and AAAs remains uncertain and warrants further investigation.
2026-05-23 | Epidemiology and outcomes of non-infectious paediatric uveitis in the French Caribbean: a 15-year cohort study from a high-income health system in Martinique.
Non-infectious uveitis (NIU) are rare in children but might be associated with substantial visual impairment. Most NIU paediatric cohorts originate from Europe, North America, or Asia, with minimal representation of Caribbean populations. Our study aimed to describe the epidemiology, clinical features, aetiologies and outcomes of paediatric NIU in Martinique. We conducted a monocentre, retrospective cohort study that included all children under the age of 18 diagnosed with NIU at the University Hospital of Martinique between 2010 and 2024. We identified cases through paediatric and ophthalmology registries, medical records, and national hospital databases. We excluded infectious uveitis and non-residents. Incidence estimates used population data. A total of 17 children with NIU were included in the study. 41% were male, with a mean age at diagnosis of 8.7 years (range: 2.5-16) and a median follow-up period of 7.6 years (range: 2.2-11.6). Eleven patients had anterior uveitis (64.7%), and 35.3% had panuveitis. Uveitis was unilateral in 64.7% of patients. The estimated incidence was 1.4 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI 0.83-2.27). The leading aetiology was juvenile idiopathic arthritis, accounting for 58.8% of cases. Systemic biologics were used in 17.6% of patients. Only one child experienced visual loss and required ocular surgery at the final follow-up. The first Caribbean paediatric NIU cohort shows a similar etiological spectrum and good visual outcomes as reported in high-income countries.
2026-05-04 | Model-Based Design of Sustained-Release Formulations of Anti-TNF-α Monoclonal Antibodies for Intravitreal Administration.
Background/Objectives: While intravitreal administration allows for increased ocular exposure to anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibodies, there is still a need for developing delivery systems able to prolong ocular drug exposure and alleviate patient compliance and safety concerns because of repeated injections. Therefore, the objective of this work was to guide the design of sustained-release formulations of anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibodies for intravitreal administration through a model-based strategy in non-infectious uveitis in the preclinical setting. Methods: Using an in-house-developed anterior uveitis disease model in rats, an intravenous reference dose reducing free TNF-α by 90% at the biophase was established. Intravitreal administrations of sustained-release formulations every 24 weeks were then simulated for adalimumab, golimumab and infliximab to evaluate TNF-α kinetics in the anterior chamber of the eye at different release rates. The selected sustained-release formulation was further evaluated for possible formulation issues causing device emptying before the next administration. Results: Intravitreal administration of sustained-release formulations releasing adalimumab, golimumab or infliximab at 1.802, 0.979 and 1.442 μg/week, respectively, met the predefined criteria of ≥90% reduction in free TNF-α at the biophase. TNF-α levels in aqueous humour were anticipated to be the most sensitive to detect possible formulation issues. Formulation emptying 10, 4 or 8 weeks for adalimumab, golimumab and infliximab, respectively, before next administration triggered TNF-α reaching pathological levels at week 24 post-dose. Conclusions: This work underscores the potential of new approach methodologies in the preclinical drug development of sustained-release formulations for intravitreal administration in ocular inflammatory disorders with less animal testing and without compromising the accuracy of model-informed predictions for human translation.
2026-04-29 | Demographic and clinical pattern of non-infectious uveitis in the Tripoli Children's Hospital
Uveitis is relatively rare in the pediatric population, but it leads to considerable ocular morbidity. This study aims to describe the clinical, etiological, and treatment features of noninfectious uveitis in Libyan children in a pediatric rheumatology clinic. A retrospective analysis of medical records of pediatric patients who were diagnosed with noninfectious uveitis from January 2000 to December 2021 at the pediatric rheumatology clinic at Tripoli Children's Hospital, Tripoli, Libya, was conducted. All the cases of uveitis in patients under 18 years of age at diagnosis were included. The collected data included age at diagnosis, anatomical location of uveitis, laterality, associated systemic disease, used medications, and visual outcome. 75 patients (137 eyes) comprised the study sample. The mean age at the onset of uveitis was 8.9 ± 3.5 years. The female-to-male ratio was 1: 1.7. Pan uveitis was the most frequent anatomical location (54.7%), followed by anterior uveitis (36.0%), posterior (8.0%), and intermediate (1.3%). The bilateral eye was involved in 82.7%, and the unilateral eye was involved in 17.3%. The common causes of non-infectious uveitis are chronic idiopathic (52.0%), which was the most frequent etiology. Other causes associated with systemic diseases. The most frequent systemic disease was juvenile idiopathic arthritis (20.0%), frosted form-associated uveitis (10.7%), followed by Behcet disease (10.7%), HLA B27-associated uveitis (2.7%), and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (2.7%). Complications occurred in 78.8% of affected eyes. The most common complications were posterior synechia (41.3%), cataract (18.7%), glaucoma (21.3%), and cystoid macular edema (20.0%).
2026-04-22 | Efficacy and safety of Jiawei Simiaoyongan granules in the treatment of non-infectious anterior uveitis: a randomized open-label trial.
To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine Jiawei Simiao Yongan granules (, JWSMYAG) in the treatment of non-infectious anterior uveitis (NIAU). We conducted a single-center, randomized, open-labeled clinical trial in adults with NIAU. Patients received standard treatment or a combination of JWSMYAG (twice daily) for three months, with a 3-month withdrawal period for observation. The primary endpoint was the recurrence rate within six months. A total of 98 patients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis, including 49 patients in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) group and 49 patients in the control group. Compared with the control group, the number of relapses was significantly lower in the TCM group [24.5% vs6.1%, P = 0.0224; Hazard Ratio = 0.208, 95% Confidence Interval (0.059, 0.737)]; in addition, patients in the TCM group had lower symptom scores of eye pain, insomnia, and bitter taste within two weeks (all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the difference in best corrected visual acuity change over six months, the number of intraocular pressure elevations > 10 mm Hg, the scoring of anterior chamber cells, the number of patients with keratic precipitates (+) after 1/2 weeks of treatment, and the scores of conjunctival hyperemia, headache, photophobia, and lacrimation. The difference in the number of adverse events between the two groups over six months was not statistically significant. JWSMYAG can reduce the recurrence rate of NIAU, alleviate ocular pain, insomnia, and bitter taste symptoms in patients with NIAU, and have a favorable safety profile.
2026-05-30 | Clinical outcomes of weekly adalimumab in refractory non-infectious paediatric uveitis and the role of serum drug levels and anti-adalimumab antibodies.
Adalimumab (ADA) is a well-established treatment for refractory paediatric uveitis; however, some patients remain inadequately controlled on standard biweekly dosing. Weekly ADA injections are increasingly used, though evidence in paediatric cohorts remains limited. This study evaluates outcomes of escalation to weekly ADA in children with refractory uveitis and explores the relevance of serum drug levels and anti-ADA antibodies (AAA). Patients with idiopathic uveitis at two tertiary centres in the UK treated with weekly adalimumab were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected, including age at escalation, systemic diagnosis, serum ADA levels, AAA titres pre- and post-escalation, clinical response and complications. Treatment success was defined as ≤0.5+ anterior chamber cells and <2 drops/day of steroid eye drops at 3 months, or most recent follow-up where escalation occurred within 3 months of review. 15 patients were included. Mean age at escalation was 11 years (range: 3-17). 11 (73%) had a systemic diagnosis; most commonly juvenile idiopathic arthritis (60%). Median serum level pre-escalation was 10.1 mg/L (IQR: 7.8-11.9) and 18.1 mg/L (IQR: 14.8-22.1) post escalation. AAAs were detectable in 7/15 (47%) pre-escalation, 2/15 (13.3%) post-escalation. Success occurred in 10/15 (67%), with visual acuity stable and improved in 93%. No serious systemic adverse events were reported. Weekly ADA offers a safe and effective treatment alternative for children with refractory uveitis, including those with AAAs. These findings support its inclusion in future treatment pathways, though the predictive value of serum levels and AAAs remains uncertain and warrants further investigation.
2026-05-23 | Epidemiology and outcomes of non-infectious paediatric uveitis in the French Caribbean: a 15-year cohort study from a high-income health system in Martinique.
Non-infectious uveitis (NIU) are rare in children but might be associated with substantial visual impairment. Most NIU paediatric cohorts originate from Europe, North America, or Asia, with minimal representation of Caribbean populations. Our study aimed to describe the epidemiology, clinical features, aetiologies and outcomes of paediatric NIU in Martinique. We conducted a monocentre, retrospective cohort study that included all children under the age of 18 diagnosed with NIU at the University Hospital of Martinique between 2010 and 2024. We identified cases through paediatric and ophthalmology registries, medical records, and national hospital databases. We excluded infectious uveitis and non-residents. Incidence estimates used population data. A total of 17 children with NIU were included in the study. 41% were male, with a mean age at diagnosis of 8.7 years (range: 2.5-16) and a median follow-up period of 7.6 years (range: 2.2-11.6). Eleven patients had anterior uveitis (64.7%), and 35.3% had panuveitis. Uveitis was unilateral in 64.7% of patients. The estimated incidence was 1.4 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI 0.83-2.27). The leading aetiology was juvenile idiopathic arthritis, accounting for 58.8% of cases. Systemic biologics were used in 17.6% of patients. Only one child experienced visual loss and required ocular surgery at the final follow-up. The first Caribbean paediatric NIU cohort shows a similar etiological spectrum and good visual outcomes as reported in high-income countries.
2026-05-04 | Model-Based Design of Sustained-Release Formulations of Anti-TNF-α Monoclonal Antibodies for Intravitreal Administration.
Background/Objectives: While intravitreal administration allows for increased ocular exposure to anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibodies, there is still a need for developing delivery systems able to prolong ocular drug exposure and alleviate patient compliance and safety concerns because of repeated injections. Therefore, the objective of this work was to guide the design of sustained-release formulations of anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibodies for intravitreal administration through a model-based strategy in non-infectious uveitis in the preclinical setting. Methods: Using an in-house-developed anterior uveitis disease model in rats, an intravenous reference dose reducing free TNF-α by 90% at the biophase was established. Intravitreal administrations of sustained-release formulations every 24 weeks were then simulated for adalimumab, golimumab and infliximab to evaluate TNF-α kinetics in the anterior chamber of the eye at different release rates. The selected sustained-release formulation was further evaluated for possible formulation issues causing device emptying before the next administration. Results: Intravitreal administration of sustained-release formulations releasing adalimumab, golimumab or infliximab at 1.802, 0.979 and 1.442 μg/week, respectively, met the predefined criteria of ≥90% reduction in free TNF-α at the biophase. TNF-α levels in aqueous humour were anticipated to be the most sensitive to detect possible formulation issues. Formulation emptying 10, 4 or 8 weeks for adalimumab, golimumab and infliximab, respectively, before next administration triggered TNF-α reaching pathological levels at week 24 post-dose. Conclusions: This work underscores the potential of new approach methodologies in the preclinical drug development of sustained-release formulations for intravitreal administration in ocular inflammatory disorders with less animal testing and without compromising the accuracy of model-informed predictions for human translation.
2026-04-29 | Demographic and clinical pattern of non-infectious uveitis in the Tripoli Children's Hospital
Uveitis is relatively rare in the pediatric population, but it leads to considerable ocular morbidity. This study aims to describe the clinical, etiological, and treatment features of noninfectious uveitis in Libyan children in a pediatric rheumatology clinic. A retrospective analysis of medical records of pediatric patients who were diagnosed with noninfectious uveitis from January 2000 to December 2021 at the pediatric rheumatology clinic at Tripoli Children's Hospital, Tripoli, Libya, was conducted. All the cases of uveitis in patients under 18 years of age at diagnosis were included. The collected data included age at diagnosis, anatomical location of uveitis, laterality, associated systemic disease, used medications, and visual outcome. 75 patients (137 eyes) comprised the study sample. The mean age at the onset of uveitis was 8.9 ± 3.5 years. The female-to-male ratio was 1: 1.7. Pan uveitis was the most frequent anatomical location (54.7%), followed by anterior uveitis (36.0%), posterior (8.0%), and intermediate (1.3%). The bilateral eye was involved in 82.7%, and the unilateral eye was involved in 17.3%. The common causes of non-infectious uveitis are chronic idiopathic (52.0%), which was the most frequent etiology. Other causes associated with systemic diseases. The most frequent systemic disease was juvenile idiopathic arthritis (20.0%), frosted form-associated uveitis (10.7%), followed by Behcet disease (10.7%), HLA B27-associated uveitis (2.7%), and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (2.7%). Complications occurred in 78.8% of affected eyes. The most common complications were posterior synechia (41.3%), cataract (18.7%), glaucoma (21.3%), and cystoid macular edema (20.0%).
2026-04-22 | Efficacy and safety of Jiawei Simiaoyongan granules in the treatment of non-infectious anterior uveitis: a randomized open-label trial.
To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine Jiawei Simiao Yongan granules (, JWSMYAG) in the treatment of non-infectious anterior uveitis (NIAU). We conducted a single-center, randomized, open-labeled clinical trial in adults with NIAU. Patients received standard treatment or a combination of JWSMYAG (twice daily) for three months, with a 3-month withdrawal period for observation. The primary endpoint was the recurrence rate within six months. A total of 98 patients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis, including 49 patients in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) group and 49 patients in the control group. Compared with the control group, the number of relapses was significantly lower in the TCM group [24.5% vs6.1%, P = 0.0224; Hazard Ratio = 0.208, 95% Confidence Interval (0.059, 0.737)]; in addition, patients in the TCM group had lower symptom scores of eye pain, insomnia, and bitter taste within two weeks (all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the difference in best corrected visual acuity change over six months, the number of intraocular pressure elevations > 10 mm Hg, the scoring of anterior chamber cells, the number of patients with keratic precipitates (+) after 1/2 weeks of treatment, and the scores of conjunctival hyperemia, headache, photophobia, and lacrimation. The difference in the number of adverse events between the two groups over six months was not statistically significant. JWSMYAG can reduce the recurrence rate of NIAU, alleviate ocular pain, insomnia, and bitter taste symptoms in patients with NIAU, and have a favorable safety profile.
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Drug Discovery Landscape
10 orphan drug designations for Non-infectious anterior uveitis.
10 orphan drug designations for Non-infectious anterior uveitis.
Drug | Therapy type | Regulator | Orphan designation | Approval | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vamikibart | antibodies | EMA | 2025-04-16 | — | Roche Registration GmbH |
methotrexate | small molecules | FDA | 2023-10-04 | — | Nordic Group B.V. |
AAV2.adalimumab | antibodies | FDA | 2022-06-22 | — | Kriya Therapeutics, Inc. |
Fluocinolone acetonide [Uvisert] | small molecules | EMA | 2016-04-28 | — | Campharm Limited |
3-{[2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-3'-(trifluoromethoxy)biphenyl-4-yl]carbamoyl}thiophene-2-carboxylic acid | small molecules | EMA | 2015-06-19 | — | Kiora Pharmaceuticals GmbH |
Autologous collagen type II-specific regulatory T-cells [Col-Treg] | cell therapies | EMA | 2014-12-16 | — | Sangamo Therapeutics France S.A.S. |
Gevokizumab | antibodies | EMA | 2013-03-12 | — | Xoma UK Limited |
Voclosporin | small molecules | EMA | 2012-12-06 | — | Granzer Regulatory Consulting & Services GmbH |
gevokizumab | antibodies | FDA | 2012-08-20 | — | XOMA (US) LLC |
Sirolimus [Opsiria] | small molecules | EMA | 2011-08-30 | — | Santen Oy |
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