Therapies For Age-Related Macular Degeneration Under Review At IU
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana University School of Medicine
Department of Ophthalmology is seeking participants for two clinical trials
to evaluate new therapies for severe vision loss associated with age-related
macular degeneration, a devastating disease that affects more than 15
million Americans and is a leading cause of functional blindness.
Patients over the age of 50 years who have
been diagnosed with wet macular degeneration are sought for the trials.
Two forms of age-related macular degeneration exist - a dry form which
is the more common condition and the wet form which is caused when abnormal
blood vessels develop under the retina and leak fluid and blood ultimately
causing a blinding scar in and under the retina.
The two trials are for different forms of
anti-angiogenesis therapies known as anti-VEGF. Angiogenesis is the abnormal
proliferation of blood vessels; anti-angiogenic therapies are designed
to retard or reverse the growth of these blood vessels and to eliminate
the leaking of fluid and blood into the eye.
Trial participants who are on photodynamic
therapy, the standard treatment for age-related macular degeneration,
may continue the treatment during the course of the trial. The trial involves
three treatments with anti-VEGF over a three-month period.
Both clinical trials are being conducted
at several medical centers across the United States. Enrollment of participants
will continue for up to one year.
For additional information, contact Linda
Pratt, R.N., at 317-278-3322.
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Media Contact: Mary
Hardin
Tel: (317)274-7722
Email: mhardin@iupui.edu
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