AMD

Stem Cell Therapy for AMD a Step Closer

Research on stem cell therapy for AMD is advancing according to a study conducted at the Georgetown University Medical Center. For the first time, researchers were able to create retinal cells from a patient's own stem cells (human induced pluripotent stem cells). These stem cells can then generate tissues and cells for transplantation. Work must still be done to figure out how to program the cells to function as native retinal pigment epithelium (the cells that die off and lead to AMD).

 

AMD Risk Update

Ophthalmology Management’s AMD Update states that it's estimated that 30% of Americans older than 75 years of age have AMD and that by 2020 approximately 3 million Americans will experience advanced AMD. Studies show that a family history of AMD increases one’s risk for developing AMD. Complement factor H and other complement factors appear to be responsible for the inherited risk. Knowledge of the polygenic basis of AMD has provided a foundation for genetic testing and gene therapy.

 

Retinal Detachments Caused By Anti-VEGF Injections Rare

A multicenter case series review of 35,942 anti-VEGF injections found only five retinal detachments over a 3 year period. They were not connected to any particular physician or medical center. Four of the five affected eyes were myopic.

 

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Possible Cause of Dry AMD Found

Researchers at the University of Kentucky have discovered one possible cause of dry macular degeneration.  The reduction of the Dicer enzyme in the retina is found in patients with geographic atrophy (a condition that causes death of retinal cells).  This is caused by an accumulation of a toxic type of RNA, which under normal circumstances would be degraded by the Dicer enzyme.  A reduced Dicer enzyme cannot control the toxic RNA and therefore the retinal cells die.  The U of K researchers, led by Dr.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids and AMD

A study of over 38,000 women who participated in the recently completed Women’s Health Study indicates that regular consumption of fish is associated with a decreased risk of AMD.  These women did not have AMD at the beginning of the 10 year study and there were 235 cases of confirmed AMD at the end of the study.  Results showed that “regular consumption of DHA and EPA and fish was associated with a 35% to 45% lower risk of visually significant AMD.”  A higher intake of omega 3 fatty acids is significant in the primary preve

New Jersey Company Developing Eye Drop To Treat AMD

A small company in New Jersey is working on an eye drop treatment for wet AMD. It is a lead compound that targets VEGF. They expect to start composing an investigational new drug application for PAN-90806, the small-molecule selective inhibitor of VEGF that the company hopes to develop as an eye drop. They stress that they have a long way to go.

 

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FDA Approves Study Using Embryonic Stem Cells For Dry AMD

The FDA approved Advanced Cell Technology’s (ACT) clinical trial to test human embryonic stem cells for treating dry macular degeneration.  ACT makes retinal pigment epithelial cells from human embryonic stem cells and is starting to recruit patients for this study.  Court battles continue over the use of federal funds for stem cell research and funding gets frozen and unfrozen while the government  appeals. 

 

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AMD Risk

A key factor in preventing age related macular degeneration is the awareness of modifiable risk factors. Smoking and an unbalanced diet are major, modifiable risk factors.  The good news is that studies show that “past smokers have a risk of developing AMD that is closer to that of nonsmokers.  This is a good incentive for people to stop smoking,” said Dr. Tien Wong, director of the Singapore Eye Research Institute. He recommends a diet high in fiber with a good balance of vegetables and fish and an avoidance of fatty food and red meats.

Radiotherapy for AMD

Renewed interest in the efficacy of radiation therapy for neovascular AMD has prompted the initiation of large randomized clinical trials for epimacular brachytherapy.  In the past, trials for external beam techniques did not produce definitive results. This new technique provides more specific targeting of radiation to specific damaged areas with less collateral damage.  Epimacular brachytherapy has shown promising results in two pilot studies, the CABERNET trial taking place in 45 sites in the US, and the MERLOT trial in the United Kingdom.

NEJM Reports on Lucentis Effectiveness

The New England Journal of Medicine Communications blog recently reported on the effectiveness of ranibizumab (Lucentis) for AMD.  “Only 4% of patients treated with 0.5 mg of ranibizumab and 5% of those treated with 0.3 mg lost 15 letters of vision at 1 year, as compared with 36% of patients treated with laser-activated verteporfin.” Of those that were treated with the ranibizumab, 36-40% gained 15 letters of vision, as compared with only 6% in the verteporfin group.

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