What To Know
- In a groundbreaking development, a team of Korean scientists has introduced an innovative eye drop solution for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), offering hope to millions affected by this vision-impairing condition.
- In light of these concerns, a team of Korean researchers has developed a novel treatment in the form of eye drops.
- The different forms of AMDThe atrophic or “dry” form sees a gradual loss of photoreceptors in the macula alongside retinal thinning and hole formation over five to ten years.
In a groundbreaking development, a team of Korean scientists has introduced an innovative eye drop solution for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), offering hope to millions affected by this vision-impairing condition.
a new approach to treating dry AMD
The current standard for treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD) primarily involves regular intravitreal injections. However, these injections come with their own set of challenges, including potential complications and moderate effectiveness. In light of these concerns, a team of Korean researchers has developed a novel treatment in the form of eye drops. This new method is not only more convenient for patients but also demonstrates enhanced efficacy.
understanding age-related macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic disease affecting the central area of the retina known as the macula. This region is rich in photoreceptors called cones, which are essential for sharp vision. Over time, waste management by the retinal pigment epithelium becomes less effective, leading to waste accumulation and potential retinal deformation, resulting in visual distortions.
The disease can manifest as early as 50 years old, typically progressing after 65 years. Known risk factors include age, heredity, smoking, and obesity. Despite ongoing research, the precise mechanisms underlying AMD remain elusive.
the different forms of AMD
- The atrophic or “dry” form sees a gradual loss of photoreceptors in the macula alongside retinal thinning and hole formation over five to ten years.
- The exudative or “wet” form involves new blood vessel proliferation in the macula, which can lead to severe visual acuity loss due to retinal bleeding and edema.
Dry AMD accounts for 90% of all cases with relatively mild visual impairment; however, about 30% progress to wet AMD within 10 years, leading to significant vision loss.
current treatments and challenges
Currently, there is no treatment for dry AMD in Europe. Wet AMD is treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections that inhibit new blood vessel growth. Across the Atlantic, two treatments were approved by the FDA in 2023—Syfovre and Izervay—which aim to slow retinal cell degradation but show modest efficacy in restoring vision and carry risks during clinical trials.
a promising new target: TLR signaling pathways
The discomfort associated with intravitreal injections has driven research towards alternative delivery methods such as eye drops. The challenge lies in targeting medications effectively to the retina located at the back of the eye. A team led by Dr. Moon-Hyeong Seo at KIST has made significant strides in this area.
They targeted Toll-like receptor (TLR) inflammatory signaling pathways crucial in immune responses. By modulating TLR signaling within retinal pigment epithelial cells—key players in inflammation regulation—they aim to curb AMD progression through peptide-based therapies.
innovative peptide-based therapy
- A high-tech screening process sifted through 190,000 peptide candidates to identify those binding specifically with TLR proteins.
Testing on mice induced with dry AMD via sodium iodate injections showed notable improvements when treated with peptide-infused eye drops—demonstrating restored retinal morphology akin to normal conditions along with reduced cellular apoptosis rates.This breakthrough suggests peptide-based ocular solutions could replace existing injectable therapies due their non-invasive nature while enhancing patient satisfaction through lower complication risks at reduced costs.
a brighter future ahead?
This innovation has far-reaching implications given rising life expectancies globally amidst increasing incidences among adults over 50 across industrialized nations where it’s already prevalent among up-to-a-quarter aged above seventy-five.KIST anticipates further advancements via collaborations within pharmaceutical sectors advancing clinical trials ensuring wider access potentially transforming ocular healthcare landscapes worldwide!
