With 46.2% of patients in the AXPAXLI arm demonstrating a 1- or 2-step improvement in the Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale (DRSS) at 40 weeks, how significant is this finding in terms of potentially halting disease progression and preserving visual function in individuals with NPDR?

Considering the absence of any worsening in DRSS among patients receiving AXPAXLI compared to 12.5% worsening in the control arm at 40 weeks, what implications does this durability of effect have for long-term management strategies for diabetic retinopathy?

The HELIOS study indicates that AXPAXLI was generally well tolerated with no observed inflammation. How crucial is this safety profile in fostering patient acceptance and adherence to treatment, particularly in chronic conditions like diabetic retinopathy?

In light of the durable treatment effect observed up to 40 weeks with a single injection of AXPAXLI, how might this influence the frequency of interventions needed for patients with NPDR, and what challenges or advantages does this pose compared to current treatment modalities?

With no patients in either arm requiring rescue medication, how does this aspect of the study findings reflect on the potential of AXPAXLI to serve as a standalone therapeutic option for diabetic retinopathy, particularly in reducing the burden of treatment for patients?

Dr. Dhoot mentioned enthusiasm for being a principal investigator in the SOL-1 study based on the HELIOS results. How do these findings bolster confidence in AXPAXLI's efficacy and its role in advancing the landscape of diabetic retinopathy treatment?

Could you discuss the mechanism of action of AXPAXLI, incorporating axitinib as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and how this targeted approach aligns with the observed efficacy in improving DRSS scores without compromising safety?

Looking ahead to the Phase 3 study with AXPAXLI in NPDR patients, how might the positive outcomes from the HELIOS trial inform the design and objectives of the upcoming trial, and what are the anticipated challenges in translating Phase 1 success into broader clinical practice?