by Dan Roberts (Updated November 10, 2008) Concentration of two cytokines, interleukin-6 and interleukin-8, have been found in two different studies to be potential biomarkers for incidence of dry AMD. Cytokines are signaling compounds in the cells that are involved in a variety of immunological, inflammatory, and infectious diseases. Janice C. Law, MD, and her [Read More]
Category: Research and Developments
POT-4 for Treatment of AMD
by Dan Roberts (Updated September 29, 2008) Potentia Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced on March 20, 2007 that it was entering the clinical phase of development of POT-4 for treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). According to the researchers, POT-4, a synthetic peptide, shuts down the complement activation system that can lead to local inflammation, tissue damage [Read More]
Pearls from Recent Studies on Low Vision Rehabilitation and Psychosocial Issues
Research of interest to the AMD Community as presented at Vision 2008, Montreal, Canada Selected and Summarized by Dan Roberts, Director, MD Support These findings are derived by the referenced authors based solely upon the results of their respective studies. In every case, more research is recommended before final conclusions can be drawn. Pearl #1. [Read More]
New Dry AMD Gene Found
by Dan Roberts As reported in the Aug. 28, 2008 online edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers have found a genetic link associated with dry AMD. That’s the good news. The bad news is that siRNA drug therapy may increase the risk for dry AMD in patients who have that genetic variant. [Read More]
Gene Therapy Breakthrough
by Dan Roberts April 28, 2008 According to two studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine*, doctors have, for the first time, used gene replacement therapy to restore vision in patients with Leber’s congenital amaurosis. Leber’s syndrome is a form of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) that affects children and often leads to blindness by [Read More]