MK-8748 vs aflibercept for diabetic macular edema
Official title: A Randomized, Double-Masked, Multicenter, 3-Arm, Pivotal Phase 3 Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Intravitreal (IVT) MK-8748 Compared With Aflibercept (2 mg) in Participants With Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
Run by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC · NCT07705555 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether MK-8748 can treat diabetic macular edema as well as the standard treatment aflibercept in people with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 960 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 35 sites (Gilbert, Arizona and 34 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 27, 2026 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | October 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | November 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07705555 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, DME-related vision loss, HbA1c ≤ 12%, and appropriate prior treatment status (treatment-naïve within 9 months or previously treated within 3 years).
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with recent major cardiovascular events, advanced renal disease requiring dialysis, or other specified exclusion criteria may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a Phase 3 interventional study comparing MK-8748 to aflibercept for treating diabetic macular edema. Eligible participants have diabetes and vision loss primarily due to DME, with specific criteria for treatment history. Participants will receive either MK-8748 or aflibercept to determine if the new medicine can perform as well as the current standard. The trial aims to assess vision-related outcomes and safety over a defined period. Sites are in Arizona and California under Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience similar improvement in vision with MK-8748 as with aflibercept.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials of alternative therapies for DME have shown variable success; this study tests a novel agent against the established therapy.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: The main inclusion criteria include but are not limited to the following: * Has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus and a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of ≤12% * Has a decrease in vision in the study eye determined by the Investigator to be primarily the result of diabetic macular edema (DME) * For participants who are treatment-naïve for DME, the diagnosis must have been made within 9 months of screening. For all treatment-experienced participants, the first treatment should have been no longer than 3 years prior to the Screening visit Exclusion Criteria: The main exclusion criteria include but are not limited to the following: * Has had renal failure requiring renal transplant, hemodialysis, or peritoneal dialysis or has renal failure anticipated to require hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis at any time during the study * Has history of stroke (cerebral vascular accident) or myocardial infarction within 180 days to first dose of study intervention * Has newly diagnosed or previously untreated diabetes mellitus and initiated oral or injectable anti-diabetic medication within 3 months to first dose of study intervention * Has history of cataract surgery and/or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery in the study eye within 90 days of screening * Has any treatment for complications of cataract surgery with steroids or yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser capsulotomy in the study eye within 90 days of screening * Has advanced or uncontrolled glaucoma in the study eye * Has any history of retinal detachment or treatment or surgery for retinal detachment in the study eye * Has active retinal disease other than the condition under investigation in the study eye * Has uncontrolled blood pressure at screening
Where it's running
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Associated Retina Consultants, Ltd ( Site 0084)
Gilbert, Arizona, United States Recruiting -
Global Research Management ( Site 0066)
Glendale, California, United States Recruiting -
Retinal Consultants Medical Group ( Site 0013)
Sacramento, California, United States Recruiting -
Retina Specialists of Colorado ( Site 0068)
Denver, Colorado, United States Recruiting -
Retina Consultants ( Site 0065)
Manchester, Connecticut, United States Recruiting -
Vitreo Retinal Associates ( Site 0042)
Gainesville, Florida, United States Recruiting
Show 29 more locations
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Retina Care Specialists ( Site 0095)
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, United States Recruiting -
Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida ( Site 0034)
Tampa, Florida, United States Recruiting -
Florida Retina Institute ( Site 0105)
Wildwood, Florida, United States Recruiting -
Midwest Eye Institute ( Site 0113)
Carmel, Indiana, United States Recruiting -
Retina Associates LLC ( Site 0024)
Lenexa, Kansas, United States Recruiting -
Mid Atlantic Retina ( Site 0062)
Hagerstown, Maryland, United States Recruiting -
Retina Specialists ( Site 0074)
Towson, Maryland, United States Recruiting -
Mississippi Retina Associates, P.A. ( Site 0061)
Madison, Mississippi, United States Recruiting -
Envision Ocular, LLC ( Site 0039)
Bloomfield, New Jersey, United States Recruiting -
Mid Atlantic Retina ( Site 0048)
Cherry Hill, New Jersey, United States Recruiting -
Retina Associates of Western NY, PC ( Site 0038)
Rochester, New York, United States Recruiting -
North Carolina Retina Associates ( Site 0064)
Wake Forest, North Carolina, United States Recruiting -
Charleston Neuroscience Institute ( Site 0087)
Bluffton, South Carolina, United States Recruiting -
Palmetto Retina Center ( Site 0063)
Florence, South Carolina, United States Recruiting -
Charleston Neuroscience Institute ( Site 0022)
Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, United States Recruiting -
Palmetto Retina Center ( Site 0014)
West Columbia, South Carolina, United States Recruiting -
Southeastern Retina Associates PC ( Site 0071)
Johnson City, Tennessee, United States Recruiting -
Southeastern Retina Associates PC ( Site 0018)
Knoxville, Tennessee, United States Recruiting -
Austin Retina Associates ( Site 0008)
Austin, Texas, United States Recruiting -
Retina Consultants of Texas ( Site 0001)
Bellaire, Texas, United States Recruiting -
Austin Retina Associates ( Site 0080)
San Marcos, Texas, United States Recruiting -
Retina Consultants of Texas ( Site 0029)
Schertz, Texas, United States Recruiting -
Retina Consultants ( Site 0104)
Charleston, West Virginia, United States Recruiting -
Fundacion Zambrano ( Site 0402)
Caba, Argentina Recruiting -
Eyeclinic Albury-Wodonga ( Site 2204)
Albury, New South Wales, Australia Recruiting -
Marsden Eye Specialists ( Site 2200)
Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia Recruiting -
Strathfield Retina Clinic ( Site 2202)
Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia Recruiting -
Sydney Retina Clinic and Day Surgery ( Site 2203)
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Recruiting -
Bristol Eye Hospital ( Site 0902)
Bristol, Bristol, City of, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Toll Free Number
- Email: Trialsites@msd.com
- Phone: 1-888-577-8839
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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MK-8748 vs. aflibercept for diabetic macular edema
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-
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Surabgene Lomparvovec in the Suprachoroidal Space for Diabetic Retinopathy
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.