NCT07235085 · Ocular Therapeutix, Inc.
A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of OTX-TKI (Axitinib Implant) in Participants With Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
(HELIOS-3)
What this study is about
The purpose of this trial is to study the safety and effectiveness of OTX-TKI (axitinib intravitreal hydrogel) for the treatment of Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. OTX-TKI is an intravitreal hydrogel embedded with axitinib.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this trial is to study the safety and effectiveness of OTX-TKI (axitinib intravitreal hydrogel) for the treatment of Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. OTX-TKI is an intravitreal hydrogel embedded with axitinib. When the OTX-TKI hydrogel is administered into the vitreous cavity of the eye, the hydrogel begins to slowly break down, which allows the axitinib to be slowly released over time. This clinical trial is comparing OTX-TKI to a "sham" injection procedure. The sham injection is a mock injection procedure, but nothing will actually be inserted in the eye as there is no needle on the sham injector. Only one eye ("study eye") will be treated with study treatment.
Interventions
DRUG
Single intravitreal injection of axitinib hydrogel implant followed by a mock (sham) injection procedure at Week 24
OTX-TKI 0.45 mg is a dried polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrogel containing dispersed drug particles of the small molecule axitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI).
DRUG
Intravitreal injection of axitinib hydrogel implant followed by a second intravitreal injection of the axitinib implant at Week 24
OTX-TKI 0.45 mg is a dried polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrogel containing dispersed drug particles of the small molecule axitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI).
OTHER
Sham/mock procedure of intravitreal injection followed by a second sham/mock procedure at Week 24
sham/mock intravitreal injection procedure
Primary outcome measures
DRSS 2-step change status at Week 52 from baseline in the study eye (≥ 2 step improvement, ≥ 2-step worsening, < 2-step change in either direction)
Time frame: 52 weeks
The Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale (DRSS) measures the severity of the diabetic retinopathy in patients by grading retinal images obtained by color fundus photography. Severity is determined by the presence of specific signs.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Male or female who is at least 18 years of age at the time of signing the informed consent form (ICF)
- History of or newly diagnosed with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus and have moderately severe to severe NPDR (DRSS levels 47 or 53), confirmed by the Central Reading Center (CRC) based on the images obtained at the Screening visit
- BCVA Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letter score of ≥ 69 letters (approximate Snellen equivalent of 20/40 or better) in the study eye
- Willing and able to comply with clinic visits and study-related procedures
- Provide signed informed consent
Exclusion criteria
- Presence of center-involved diabetic macular edema (CI-DME) defined per protocol via optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in the study eye, obtained at the Screening visit
- Evidence of a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment or visually significant/severe epiretinal membrane, vitreomacular traction syndrome, macular hole, tear of the retinal pigment epithelium in the macula, or other macular pathology in the study eye deemed visually significant by the Investigator
- In the study eye, any panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) treatment prior to baseline, or received focal or grid laser photocoagulation within 1000 microns of the central subfield of the macula within 6 months prior to baseline
- IVT anti-VEGF treatment in the study eye within 6 months or port delivery system (PDS) with ranibizumab in the study eye at any time prior to baseline (Day 1)
- (There are additional exclusion criteria)
Where
- Hagerstown, Maryland
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 16, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations