Summary of Research and Developments in Macular Degeneration: 2008-2009

by Dan Roberts June 11, 2009 Laser Rejuvenates the Retina According to a study announced at the Euretina Congress in May 2008, a laser treatment that “cleans up” Bruch’s membrane may slow down the progression to AMD. Bruch’s membrane is the tissue that separates the photoreceptor cells (our sight cells) from the nourishing blood vessel [Read More]

siRNA Turns Off Bad Genes

by Dan Roberts (updated April 2009) A new type of anti-VEGF drug called “small interference RNA (siRNA),” is showing promise in its ability to turn off genes that cause wet AMD. A preliminary primate study in early 2004 showed that, at the highest dose used in the study siRNA (formerly called RNAi) “reduced the incidence [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]