AMD research

A study has received funding to investigate the role of the gut microbiome in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which could lead to new therapies being developed.

Fight for Sight has partnered with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists to fund the study, which will be led by Dr Zakariya Jarrar from King’s College.

Jarrar will study twins to determine if the gut microbiome’s influence to modify the body’s immune response are of relevance in AMD.

‘The twins have had stool samples taken that are being processed using advanced genetic analysis to identify which organisms are more common in healthy individuals and those with AMD. We will then look at what those organisms do and how they influence the immune system with regards to AMD,’ Jarrar said.