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An eye drop developed by Othera Pharmaceuticals holds potential for being a uniquely effective treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), because it is believed to address three factors that can cause the vision-robbing condition — inflammation, oxidative stress, and unhealthy blood vessel growth (angiogenesis).
Al Reaves, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Clinical Development at Othera, says that the studies show that OT-551 treatment may be effective for treating both the dry and wet forms of AMD. He notes that for dry AMD, it is providing a treatment option where few others currently exist. For wet AMD, the eye drops may enhance the effectiveness of other wet AMD therapies.
Clinical trials of Othera’s treatment
Othera began a Phase II clinical trial of OT-551 for dry AMD in 2006 at the National Eye Institute, and is about to begin two larger, multi-center trials of the eye drop.
One forthcoming study will evaluate the eye drops in 200 people affected by dry AMD. Investigators will determine if the treatment slows the progression of dry AMD, and if it reduces the number of cases that develop into the wet form.
The other forthcoming study will evaluate the eye drops in conjunction with the Lucentis treatment for wet AMD. This study will include 180 participants. Othera’s investigators believe that the combination of therapies may be more effective than Lucentis alone in halting the growth of vision-robbing blood vessels under the retina — the hallmark of wet AMD.
For more information on all of these clinical studies, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov and search on “OT-551.”
Complexities of AMD
Foundation-funded research has shown that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex disease, which can be caused by combinations of multiple factors. Here is an overview of the three factors addressed by OT-551:
Inflammation: Over the past three years, investigators have determined that certain genetic variations are linked to a majority of AMD cases. These genetic alterations can cause the body’s bacterial defense system to overact, leading to tissue-damaging inflammation, and ultimately, AMD.
Oxidative stress: Numerous studies suggest that oxidative stress also plays a role in the development of AMD. On a cell-by-cell basis, the retina demands more oxygen than any other organ or tissue in the human body. Oxygen consumption places a lot of stress on retinal tissue, because the process can result in the production of tissue-destroying molecules. That’s why drugs and nutrients with antioxidant properties may help protect against AMD.
Angiogenesis: Though both dry and wet AMD can cause vision loss, more people lose vision to the wet form. Vision is lost in wet AMD due to a process called angiogenesis — the development of unhealthy blood vessels underneath the retina. Treatments that inhibit blood vessel growth hold promise of preventing or slowing vision loss from wet AMD.
More on AMD
More than nine million Americans are affected by AMD. It is the leading cause of blindness in the United States and other developed countries. To learn more about AMD research, treatments, and prevention strategies, visit www.FightBlindness.org.
DISCLAIMER: Physicians differ in their approach to incorporating research results into their clinical practice. You should always consult with and be guided by your Physician’s advice when considering treatment based on research results.
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