Dry AMD therapy shows promise

A new gene therapy approach for treating dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been developed by researchers at Trinity College Dublin.

Researchers said early results showed promise to finding a new treatment option for patients living with the condition, although further work needs to be carried out.

The therapy directly targeted mitochondrial function in cells that were malfunctioning in AMD through a virus that enabled the cells to generate extra energy and continue to function in supporting vision.

Professor Jane Farrar, senior author of the study, said: ‘Critically, this study provides the first evidence in models that directly modulating bioenergetics in eye cells can provide benefit and improve visual function in dry AMD.’