Cirrus Therapeutics, University of Bristol, and London’s Global University Institute of Ophthalmology Unveil Groundbreaking Treatment for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
In a landmark study featured on the cover of Science Translational Medicine, researchers have identified a revolutionary treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults worldwide.
AMD can profoundly impact vision, initially causing blurred vision or a central black spot that can progress to complete central vision loss. Currently affecting approximately 200 million people globally, this number is expected to reach 288 million by 2040 due to ageing populations and environmental factors. The exact causes of AMD are complex, involving a combination of ageing, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
The team’s breakthrough involves boosting levels of a specific protein, IRAK-M, in retinal cells, which has shown significant promise in protecting against retinal degeneration associated with AMD. Dr Andrew Dick, Head of the Academic Unit of Ophthalmology at the University of Bristol and Director of UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, as well as co-founder and Chief Scientific Advisor of Cirrus Therapeutics, described this discovery as a pathway-agnostic approach to AMD treatment, offering a comprehensive therapeutic option for millions suffering from this debilitating condition.
Dr Jian Liu, lead author and senior research scientist at the University of Bristol’s Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, highlighted the age-related decline of IRAK-M levels as a critical marker in AMD progression, signalling a potential avenue for early diagnosis and intervention.
This innovative approach marks a departure from traditional treatments that target single pathways in AMD pathophysiology. Dr Ying Kai Chan, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Therapeutics emphasised that their novel method addresses multiple AMD pathways and represents the most compelling and evidence-based strategy available today.
Cirrus Therapeutics, which emerged from the University of Bristol to focus on therapies stemming from this discovery, is poised to advance treatments for AMD.
More information: Jian Liu et al, Replenishing IRAK-M expression in retinal pigment epithelium attenuates outer retinal degeneration, Science Translational Medicine. DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adi4125
Journal information: Science Translational Medicine Provided by Thinkubator Media
