Evaluating Blue Zones Demography in Response to Recent Critiques
January 6, 2026
Brand Name :
Jetrea
Synonyms :
ocriplasmin intravitreal
Class :
Vitreolytics
Dosage forms and strengths
intravitreal solution
0.125mg/0.1mL
(0.375 mg/0.3mL)
Administering a single intravitreal injection of 0.125 mg, equivalent to (0.1 mL) to the affected eye as a one-time dose
Administering a single intravitreal injection of 0.125 mg, equivalent to (0.1 mL) to the affected eye as a one-time dose
Safety and efficacy are not established
Refer adult dosing
Actions and Spectrum:
Action:
ocriplasmin is an enzyme that acts as a proteolytic agent. It works by enzymatically cleaving certain proteins in the eye, specifically targeting the proteins that make up the vitreous gel. The vitreous gel is a clear substance that fills the space between the eye’s lens and retina. In some cases, the vitreous gel can become abnormally attached to the macula, causing traction or adhesion, which can lead to various visual problems. Drug helps to dissolve the proteins responsible for the adhesion or traction enzymatically, thus releasing the macula and relieving the associated symptoms.
Spectrum: ocriplasmin has a specific spectrum of activity, primarily focused on the vitreous gel in the eye. It targets the proteins in the vitreous gel, including collagen and fibronectin, which contribute to the adhesion or traction on the macula. By selectively breaking down these proteins, ocriplasmin allows the vitreous gel to separate from the macula, providing relief from the associated visual distortions, reduced visual acuity, and other symptoms caused by VMT or sVMA.
Frequency defined
>10%
Eye pain (12.3%)
Vitreous floaters (16.6%)
Conjunctival hemorrhage (17.4%)
1-10%
Intraocular hemorrhage (2.4%)
Macular edema (4.3%)
Photophobia (3.4%)
Macular hole (7.6%)
Blurred vision (6.7%)
Intraocular inflammation (7.1%)
Retinal edema (4.3%)
Increased IOP (8.8%)
Photopsia (9%)
Decreased vision acuity (5.7%)
<1%
Retinal detachment
Lens subluxation
Black Box Warning:
None
Contraindication/Caution:
Hypersensitivity: Individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to ocriplasmin or any of its components should avoid its use.
Active intraocular inflammation: ocriplasmin should not be used when there is active inflammation in the eye, such as uveitis.
Ocular infections: The presence of active ocular infections, including bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, may be a contraindication to ocriplasmin treatment.
Retinal breaks or tears: ocriplasmin may release vitreous traction, which can induce retinal breaks or tears. It is important to assess the retina for the presence of pre-existing retinal breaks before considering ocriplasmin treatment.
Ocular trauma: ocriplasmin should be avoided in cases of recent or significant ocular trauma due to an increased risk of adverse effects.
Pregnancy warnings:
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown
Pregnancy Categories:
Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester.
Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.
Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category
Pharmacology:
ocriplasmin is a medication used in ophthalmology for the treatment of vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) and vitreomacular traction (VMT).
Pharmacodynamics:
ocriplasmin is a recombinant protease with proteolytic activity against fibronectin and laminin, which are components of the extracellular matrix in the vitreous. It specifically targets the proteins responsible for adhesion between the vitreous and the macula, leading to the release of vitreomacular traction and resolution of VMA.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption
Following an intravitreal injection, ocriplasmin is administered directly into the vitreous humor, a gel-like substance found in the posterior segment of the eye. This localized environment within the vitreous humor facilitates the targeted pharmacological effects of ocriplasmin.
Distribution
ocriplasmin has a relatively large molecular weight, which limits its distribution within the eye. It remains primarily within the vitreous humor, where it interacts with components responsible for vitreoretinal adhesion.
Metabolism
ocriplasmin is not extensively metabolized within the eye.
Excretion and Elimination:
The elimination of ocriplasmin from the vitreous humor occurs through a combination of mechanisms. The primary route of elimination is through diffusion and clearance from the eye over time. ocriplasmin is gradually cleared from the vitreous humor, and its effects on vitreomacular adhesion diminish as a result.
Administration:
Injection: The ocriplasmin solution is drawn into a syringe with a fine needle. The ophthalmologist carefully inserts the needle through the sclera (the white part of the eye) and into the vitreous cavity. The injection is typically performed in the office or an outpatient setting.
Post-injection: After the injection, the eye may be checked for any complications or adverse reactions. The patient may be prescribed antibiotic eye drops or other medications to help prevent infection or control inflammation.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: ocriplasmin intravitreal
Why do we use ocriplasmin intravitreal?
Treatment of Vitreomacular Adhesion (VMA) and Macular Hole: ocriplasmin is mainly used to treat certain conditions of the eye that affect the macula, which is responsible for central vision. It is approved for the treatment of symptomatic VMA and for the closure of small full-thickness macular holes.
Vitreomacular Adhesion (VMA) occurs when the vitreous gel adheres to the macula, leading to distorted or blurred vision. ocriplasmin helps to separate the vitreous from the macula, releasing the traction and improving visual outcomes.