| Summary: | “Biologic response modifier”(BRM) treatment refers to the treatment of human diseases with a diverse group of agents which are generated from living cells, and which act on the immune system, altering the body's immune response. The principal mechanism of action of these agents includes immunomodulation, interference with cellular proliferation, and direct toxic action on cells. They are designed targeted to specific genes or protein receptors, thus making their mechanisms highly attractive as they act on individual entities in the inflammatory pathway. In ophthalmology, biological response modifiers are being studied for use in the treatment of conditions such as noninfectious uveitis, scleritis, Sjogren syndrome, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, macular edema, idiopathic inflammatory pseudotumors, Behcet's disease, ocular surface disorders, neovascular disorders, and intraocular lymphoma to name a few. BRMs represent a novel and highly exciting mode of therapeutic intervention in some ocular conditions, especially those resistant to conventional treatment. Although newer molecules are being discovered, a lot of research is still needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and the safety profile of these agents.
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