A National Eye Institute (NEI) study will test the safety of a stem cell treatment for the dry (atrophic) form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The researchers will take a patient’s own blood cells, and in a lab, convert them into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) capable of becoming any type of cell in the […]
Investigators have found significant associations between lessened brain functions and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 5604 people age 40+ who participated in the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey have been found to experience increased memory problems and confusion, seemingly as a result of their AMD. The report was published in the December 2019 issue […]
by Dan Roberts The field of available equipment and technology for individuals affected by low vision is vast and ever-increasing. The number of products has grown exponentially over the past decade, making it difficult to keep up on new developments. This brief article is for those who would like to know what the market offers […]
The first rule of nutrition for maintaining good retina health is, for some people, the most difficult to swallow. Consuming a diet rich in leafy green vegetables for their high antioxidant values is highly recommended by professional nutritionists and eye care specialists, and no one argues about its preventative value. So why is this rule […]
In January 2017, Ophthotech Corporation (now known as Iveric), announced that the first patient had been dosed in a Phase 2/3 clinical study of Zimura® (avacincaptad pegol sodium) for treatment of advanced dry macular degeneration (aka geographic atrophy). Zimura® inhibits complement factor C5, which is believed to be involved in the development of AMD. On Oct. 28, […]
As reported here in 2017, a drug called RGX-314 is being tested as a one-time sub-retinal injection for wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD). A preliminary study showed that patients with wAMD had long-term vision stabilization and anatomic improvement following a single treatment with the investigational gene therapy. Now, in a subgroup of patients with the […]
Genentech has reported end-of-trial results examining the use of their unique alternative to intravitreal injections, the Port Delivery System (PDS). As reported previously here, the PDS is a tiny refillable implant that provides patients affected by wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with continuous delivery of Lucentis (ranibizumab) as necessary. Presented by Carl Regillo, MD, at […]
Allergan and Molecular Partners has announced two-year data from their clinical studies of Abicipar in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In the second year of the studies, four injections of Abicipar given 12 weeks apart resulted in maintenance of visual gains comparable to monthly ranibizumab. “We are pleased to see a sustained response at two-years […]
A Phase 2 study has found that a new drug could be a safe and effective treatment for improving vision in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). On October 13, 2019, David Boyer, MD (Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group), presented results from a study of risuteganib intravitreal injection to members of the American Academy of […]
Novartis announced on October 8, 2019 that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved BEOVU® (brolucizumab-dbll) injection for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). This is the fourth anti-VEGF drug treatment to be approved for wet AMD, the others being Lucentis (Genentech), Eylea (Regeneron), and off-label Avastin (Genentech). Similar to its […]