Pazopanib, a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, reduces diabetic retinal vascular leukostasis and leakage

Objective: To determine the efficacy of pazopanib eye drops in the streptozotocin induced diabetic retinopathy rat model.

Methods: A 0.5% w/v pazopanib suspension was prepared in phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) in the presence of 0.5% w/v sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Brown Norway rats were divided into three groups (n=4) - (1) healthy, (2) diabetic, and (3) diabetic with treatment. The drug suspension was administered twice daily as eye drops to group 3 for 30 days. Efficacy parameters including the number of adherent leukocytes in the retinal vasculature (leukostasis), blood-retinal FITC-dextran leakage, and vitreous-to-plasma protein ratio were measured.

Results: Pazopanib suspension in the form of eye drops significantly reduced leukostasis (32%), FITC-dextran leakage (39%), and the vitreous-to-plasma protein ratio (64%) in diabetic Animals compared to untreated diabetic group.

Conclusion: Pazopanib eye drops can alleviate retinal complications of diabetic retinopathy.