A novel gene-based therapy targets the protein responsible for macular degeneration, improving patients’ vision with advanced AMD.

Genentech has developed Susvimo, an anti-VEGF implant with refillable cartridges designed to replace monthly injections of anti-VEGF eye injections. Susvimo was approved by the FDA earlier this year.

Laboratory-grown retinal cells can “reach out” and connect with nearby cells, an advance that could pave the way towards therapies to treat blinding eye diseases.

A new drug for dry macular degeneration

Though there is no cure for dry age-related macular degeneration, an experimental drug known as Risuteganib (formerly CY-09) may help slow its progression. Risuteganib works by blocking a protein that stimulates new blood vessel growth in retina. Eventually it should be approved by FDA under brand name Visudyne.

Lucentis and Avastin, among other medications already on the market for wet macular degeneration, are anti-VEGF treatments administered directly into the eye to counteract protein VEGF which promotes abnormal blood vessel growth associated with wet macular degeneration. Studies have demonstrated these medications help slow vision loss for some patients or even reverse it altogether.

Wet macular degeneration occurs when fluid and blood form deposits beneath the retina, damaging it and leading to blurry vision. About 10% of cases of macular degeneration involve wet forms; they account for 90% of severe visual losses from macular degeneration; these cases typically affect eyes that have previously experienced its dry form.

Researchers continue to explore various treatments for wet macular degeneration, such as laser therapy and medications such as Avastin and Ranibizumab. Avastin and Ranibizumab can be combined with photodynamic therapy laser light treatment in order to treat wet macular degeneration, in order to avoid abnormal blood vessels that lead to leaky and bleeding eyes – in some cases even helping bring back central vision lost due to wet form of macular degeneration.

Studies are being done into the efficacy of an antidepressant medication known as fluoxetine in treating dry age-related macular degeneration. According to health insurance data, people who take this medication have a 15% reduced risk of the disease; researchers believe it works by reducing inflammation within the eye. Furthermore, Yale ophthalmology department has begun clinical trials for verteporfin or Visudyne which has been found to prevent the breakdown of cells within retina. It has been in trials for four months already and FDA should soon approve.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic Therapy, or PDT for short, is a three-step treatment process involving the application of a photosensitizing drug and subsequent activation by bright light. This allows it to destroy precancerous cells or skin cancers that have emerged as well as reduce oil glands to treat conditions like rosacea or acne. PDT typically occurs within physician offices or outpatient settings.

PDT treatment can be useful in treating various precancerous conditions, including actinic keratoses and Bowen’s disease. Furthermore, it can be used to address superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which if left untreated can become more advanced into an invasive squamous cell carcinoma in a few years’ time. Unfortunately, PDT cannot be used against melanomas or other types of cancer which require surgical removal for treatment.

PDT can also be used to treat other skin diseases, such as psoriasis and rosacea. Furthermore, this treatment method can reduce pores and scar tissue appearance. However, there may be risks associated with PDT such as light sensitivity or slight stinging sensation; these typically go away within days.

Macular degeneration is a progressive deterioration of the macula, the area at the back of your retina that allows you to clearly perceive fine details. It impairs central vision and makes tasks like threading a needle or reading more challenging; blurriness, dark areas or distortion may occur as a result. You can help slow or prevent macular degeneration by eating healthily, exercising regularly and not smoking; plus attending eye exams regularly with your ophthalmologist.

Studies from Johns Hopkins Medicine indicate that one third of those living with wet age-related macular degeneration may be eligible to stop receiving monthly injections of medication designed to suppress vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which causes leaky blood vessels in the retina that lead to vision loss. Unfortunately, the findings don’t provide a timeline or specific prediction regarding who may be eligible to discontinue medication use and treatment altogether.

Injections

Macular degeneration, also known as an age-related eye disease, causes gradual distortion to the central portion of retina known as macula – responsible for central vision as well as fine details and colors – over time. If left untreated it could eventually lead to blindness – however treatment options exist – for instance the National Eye Institute suggests supplementing with antioxidant vitamins in order to slow its progress.

Researchers recently developed a novel treatment for wet macular degeneration, an eye disease characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina that leaks and bleeds under it, leading to rapid loss of vision. The solution involves injecting a light-activated prodrug drug directly into one eye; when exposed to light it activates and attacks proteins responsible for creating abnormal blood vessel growth within retina; creating an anti-angiogenic effect which halts their formation and progression towards Neovascular AMD.

Visudyne is a new intravitreal injection administered in a doctor’s office that contains low dose anti-angiogenic medication aflibercept, designed for single use only and intended only as one dose per year. Early-phase clinical trials have proven its safety and efficacy.

Regeneron and Adverum Biotechnologies’ injection, Ixo-vec, was recently approved by the FDA as another treatment option for wet age-related macular degeneration. A Phase 2 LUNA trial is underway evaluating its effects, showing it can improve visual acuity with less frequent injections compared with its current standard care treatment, Aflibercept Injection 2 mg.

Patients who suspect macular degeneration should consult an ophthalmologist immediately, as symptoms could include decreased central vision, blurry images or even color vision loss; sometimes these signs can even be verified through looking at an Amsler Grid chart of black lines arranged in grid patterns.

Surgery

National Institutes of Health (NIH) doctors successfully implanted a patch of tissue made from patient cells in an attempt to treat advanced “dry” macular degeneration, an eye condition which causes blurriness and darkness in the macula, the central part of retina located within eyeball. GA is one of the primary causes of severe vision loss among Caucasians over 65, often manifesting itself with straight lines appearing wavy; people can lose reading or driving ability; however they still maintain peripheral, or side vision.

Drusen are deposits under the retina that increase a person’s risk for wet AMD, which involves abnormal growth of blood vessels that leak fluid into light-sensitive tissue of the eye, leading to rapid and severe vision loss. A new treatment known as Susvimo from Genentech provides continuous delivery of anti-VEGF medication ranibizumab instead of needing injections several times each month.

As there is currently no cure for macular degeneration, it is vital that regular visits to your eye doctor occur. Regular check-ups allow doctors to detect and manage changes to your vision as soon as they occur so you can take advantage of any new treatments available in the future. It’s also wise to become familiar with family histories of macular degeneration; discuss this matter with your ophthalmologist regarding screening; for those age 55 or over or with family histories should visit an ophthalmologist for screening at least every three years.