AMD

In this study, researchers examine immune mechanisms in ocular diseases like uveitis, AMD, DR, and GO, highlighting microglial roles, targeted therapies, and promising advances in immunotherapy.

A look at the biggest news and advancements in ophthalmology in 2024.

The report details the results of preclinical discovery, engineering and characterization studies evaluating the safety, retinal cell transduction, transgene expression and clinical activity of proprietary evolved intravitreal vector R100 and 4D-150.

The EMA issued a positive opinion and recommendation for marketing authorization for Eydenzelt (biosimilar aflibercept).

Researchers at the USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics and the USC Roski Eye Institute are advancing a new treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in older adults.

The joint project AMD-HALT, pairs Amarna’s SV40-derived gene delivery vector platform with Phenocell’s in vitro AMD disease model, which accurately mimics cellular interactions and microenvironment of the retina

EXG102 and EXG202 are investigational gene therapy candidates for wet age-related macular degeneration that are in development.

The company begins phase 1 trials of oral GAL-101, targeting amyloid beta aggregation. Promising safety and efficacy in ophthalmic models suggest potential for treating dry AMD, glaucoma, and neurodegenerative eye diseases.

SOL-1 is a superiority study being conducted under a Special Protocol Agreement (SPA) with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

EyePoint Pharmaceuticals has dosed the first patient in the LUCIA Phase 3 trial of Duravyu for wet AMD. The study evaluates Duravyu’s efficacy, durability, and re-dosing every 6 months in both treatment-naïve and previously treated patients. Topline data is anticipated in 2026.

In a study, a team of Korean researchers developed an AI model using OCT images to predict neovascular AMD treatment outcomes after anti-VEGF injections. The model highlights AI’s potential in personalized ophthalmic care.

A study suggests that small hyperreflective retinal foci (HRF) on OCT images, linked to activated microglial cells, could serve as a valuable marker for monitoring neuroretinal inflammation and progression in age-related macular degeneration.

ABI-110 has the potential to offer a durable and effective solution by addressing the root causes of wet AMD at the genetic level.

The CHMP has recommended FYB203 for approval in Europe for treating adult patients with age-related neovascular macular degeneration (nAMD) and other serious retinal diseases.

After closing, the combined company is expected to operate under the name Kalaris Therapeutics, Inc.

Both LUNA and OPTIC were designed to assess a broad wet AMD population, including hard-to-treat patients with severe disease who required frequent anti-VEGF injections before enrolling in the trial.

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has funded Keck School of Medicine of USC translational research advancing a therapy for dry age-related macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of blindness in older adults.

Afqlir (aflibercept) is a 2 mg vial kit and pre-filled syringe for intravitreal injection.

The drug is the world’s first-ever CRISPR/Cas13 RNA-editing therapy for clinical use in treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

A Johns Hopkins study reveals that anti-VEGF treatments for wet AMD may unintentionally elevate ANGPTL4, a protein that promotes blood vessel growth. Combining anti-VEGF with an experimental drug targeting HIF-1 could enhance vision outcomes and prevent vision loss.

Scientists at Scripps Research and its nonprofit drug development arm, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines, are working to advance regenerative medicines capable of repairing tissues damaged by age-related disease

The Valeda Light Delivery System is for the treatment of patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

In an interview with David Hutton of Ophthalmology Times, Ash Abbey, MD, discusses the Phase 3 LUGANO trial for EYP-1901 in treating wet age-related macular degeneration. Abbey discusses the trial’s non-inferiority objectives, treatment schedule, patient outcomes like reduced treatment burden, and anatomical stability. Patient interest is high, particularly among those wanting fewer injections, though recruiting treatment-naive patients may be challenging. If results are favorable, potential FDA approval could occur within 3 to 4 years.

Researchers receive $6.4 million grant from NEI to seek new treatment for blindness-causing diseases.