Trials to begin for stem cell-based therapy to treat geographic atrophy

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 [Read More]

Cognitive Decline Associated With AMD

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 [Read More]

Zimura® for Dry AMD Continues to Show Positive Results in Trials

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, [Read More]

Positive Results From RGX-314 Gene Therapy

(Updated 9/10/2020) 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 [Read More]

Abicipar for Wet AMD Maintained Vision Gains Through Year 2

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 [Read More]