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84: MacTel Decoded: Rethinking Conventional Approaches with Novel Neuroprotective Strategies


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Episode Description 

In this podcast, experts Charles C. Wykoff, MD, PhD, FASRS; Jed H. Assam, MD, MS; Diana V. Do, MD; and Dante Pieramici, MD, FASRS; discuss the diagnosis, clinical features, and evolving management strategies for patients diagnosed with macular telangiectasia (MacTel) type 2.

Learning Objectives 

Upon successful completion of this activity, you should be better prepared to:

  • Summarize the limitations of anti-VEGF intravitreal injection therapies in the management of MacTel.
  • Evaluate emerging evidence supporting the use of novel therapies in the management of MacTel.
  • Integrate current evidence-based interventions for MacTel into clinical practice to optimize disease outcomes.
  • Apply advanced diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to the management of MacTel.
  • Acknowledgment of Educational Grant Support

    This activity is supported by an educational grant from Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    Faculty:

    Charles C. Wykoff, MD, PhD, FASRS

    Director of Research, Retina Consultants of Texas
    Chairman of Research & Clinical Trials, Retina Consultants of America
    Houston, TX

    Disclosures: Consultant/Honoraria: 4DMT, AbbVie, Acuta, ADARx, Adverum, Alcon, Alimera, Alkeus, Allgenesis, AMC Sciences, Annexon, Apellis, Arrowhead, Ascidian, Astellas, Aviceda, Bausch + Lomb, Bayer, BioCryst, Bionic Vision, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chengdu Kanghong, Curacle, Emmecell, Eyebiotech, EyePoint, Genentech, InGel, Janssen, Kiora, Kodiak, Kowa, Nanoscope, Neurotech, NGM, Novartis, Oak Bay Bio, Ocular Therapeutix, OcuTerra, Ollin, ONL, Opthea, Opus, Osanni, Oxular, Palatin, Perceive Bio, Perfuse, Ray, Regeneron, Regenxbio, RetinAI, Roche, Samsung Bioepis, Sandoz, Sanofi, Santen, Skyline, Stealth, Sylentis, TCG Crossover, THEA, Therini, VH401,Visgenx, Zeiss; Research Grants: 4DMT, AbbVie, Adverum, AffaMed, Alexion, Alimera, Allgenesis, Amgen, Annexin, Annexon, Apellis, Ascidian, AsclepiX, Astellas, Aviceda, Avirmax, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chengdu Origen, Clearside, Curacle, Eluminex, Eyebiotech, EyePoint, Genentech, IONIS, iRenix, Janssen, Kalaris, Kodiak, Kyoto DDD, Kyowa Kirin, Nanoscope, Neurotech, NGM, Novartis, Ocugen, Ocular Therapeutix, Oculis, OcuTerra, OliX, Ollin, Opthea, Outlook Therapeutics, Oxular, Oxurion, Perceive Bio, Pykus, Regeneron, Regenxbio, Rezolute, Roche, Shanghai Henlius, Stealth, Skyline, VH401; Stock Options (Not Owner) From Private For-Profit Entities: InGel, Ollin, ONL, Osanni, Panther, TissueGen, Visgenx, Vitranu

    Diana V. Do, MD

    Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs
    Professor of Ophthalmology
    The Byers Eye Institute
    Stanford University School of Medicine
    Palo Alto, CA

    Disclosures: Advisor, Consultant, Speaker, Honoraria Recipient: Apellis, Astellas, Belite Bio, LumiThera, Oculis, Regenxbio; Grant/Research Funding: Apellis, Belite Bio, LumiThera, Neurotech, Oculis, Regeneron, Regenxbio; Ownership Interests in Publicly-Traded Companies: Belite Bio, Kodiak Sciences

    Dante Pieramici, MD, FASRS

    Medical Director, Clinical Research, California Retina Consultants
    Director, California Retina Research Foundation
    Partner, California Retina Consultants/Retina Consultants of America
    Santa Barbara, CA 

    Disclosures: Advisory: Perceive; Consultant: 4DMT, Adverum, Eyepoint, Genentech, Neurotech, Ocular Therapeutix, Opthea, Regeneron, Retina AI, Roche, Samsung, Unity; Research Funding: 4DMT, Adverum, Eyepoint, Genentech, Novartis, Ocular, Ocular Therapeutix, Opthea, Regeneron, Retina AI, Roche; Unity

    Jed H. Assam, MD

    Clinical Faculty
    Department of Surgery
    University of South Dakota
    Sanford School of Medicine
    Sioux Falls, SD

    Disclosures: Jed H. Assam, MD, has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.


    Faculty, Staff, and Planners’ Disclosures

    In accordance with ACCME Guidelines, PER® has identified and resolved all conflicts of interest for faculty, staff, and planners prior to the start of this activity by using a multistep process.

    The staff of Physicians’ Education Resource®, LLC have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

    This podcast, including the narration, was developed by PER® editorial staff based on an online activity developed with these faculty. The narration was voiced by a PER staff member or by an AI tool.

    To learn more about this topic, including the diagnosis and interdisciplinary management of MacTel, go to https://www.gotoper.com/courses/mactel-decoded-rethinking-conventional-approaches-with-novel-neuroprotective-strategies.

    Release Date

    January 30, 2026

    Expiration Date

    January 30, 2027

    Off-Label Disclosure and Disclaimer

    This activity may or may not discuss investigational, unapproved, or off-label use of drugs. Learners are advised to consult prescribing information for any products discussed. The information provided in this accredited activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent clinical judgment of a health care professional relative to diagnostic, treatment, or management options for a specific patient’s medical condition. The opinions expressed in the content are solely those of the individual faculty members and do not reflect those of PER® or any company that provided commercial support for this activity.

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