Pioneering Eye Drop Therapy for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Revolutionizing Treatment for a Leading Cause of Vision Loss

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains the leading cause of vision loss in individuals over 65, affecting millions worldwide. This condition involves abnormal changes in the macula, the central part of the retina, resulting in diminished vision and distorted perception of objects. Among AMD cases, 90% are categorized as dry AMD, a milder form compared to its wet counterpart. However, approximately 30% of dry AMD patients face progression to wet AMD within a decade, which can lead to severe vision loss.

As of 2023, treatment options for dry AMD are limited to two FDA-approved injectable drugs. While these treatments provide some benefit, they come with notable challenges, including potential complications from intravitreal injections and only modest efficacy in restoring vision.

A Breakthrough from Korea’s KIST Research Team

Under the leadership of Dr. Moon-Hyeong Seo, the Natural Product Drug Development Center at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has developed a groundbreaking therapeutic agent for dry AMD in the form of eye drops. This innovative approach aims to address the limitations of current injection-based treatments by offering a non-invasive, patient-friendly alternative.

Targeting Inflammation with Advanced Peptide Technology

Eye drops are widely preferred in ophthalmology for their ease of use and improved patient adherence. However, delivering drugs effectively to the retina, located in the posterior segment of the eye, has long been a significant challenge.

To overcome this, the KIST team targeted the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, which plays a critical role in AMD development. Using advanced peptide technology, the researchers constructed a vast library of over 190,000 peptide candidates, derived from protein structures similar to natural TLR signaling proteins. By employing cutting-edge screening methods, they identified peptides capable of inhibiting interactions within the TLR pathway, effectively reducing inflammation linked to AMD.

Proven Efficacy Through Preclinical Studies

The therapeutic potential of these peptides was validated in preclinical trials. When administered as eye drops to mice with induced dry AMD, the peptides demonstrated remarkable protective effects on retinal cells, significantly reducing retinal degeneration. Treated mice exhibited retinal health comparable to normal, healthy subjects, proving the efficacy of the eye drop formulation.

Transforming Patient Experience

This innovative eye drop therapy is poised to revolutionize dry AMD treatment. By eliminating the need for invasive injections, it reduces the risk of complications and enhances treatment accessibility. The convenience of eye drops also promotes better patient adherence, potentially leading to improved outcomes and higher satisfaction levels. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of this approach makes it an attractive option for patients and healthcare systems alike.

A Vision for the Future

Dr. Seo expressed his commitment to advancing global health through innovative therapies: “The KIST Natural Product Drug Development Center, established to focus on mission-driven research, is dedicated to developing global drugs targeting ageing-related diseases, including cancer and ophthalmic conditions. We aim to collaborate with pharmaceutical companies worldwide to bring this revolutionary dry AMD therapy to clinical trials and, ultimately, to patients globally.”

This groundbreaking development not only offers hope for those living with AMD but also paves the way for similar advancements in treating other ophthalmic conditions. By harnessing cutting-edge science and a patient-first approach, KIST’s innovation is set to redefine the standard of care for dry AMD and beyond.