A new approach to treat dry age-related macular degeneration
Official title: A Ribozyme Rescue Strategy for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Funded at VA Western New York Healthcare System · NIH-11138540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration and juvenile macular degeneration by using special tools to help clear out harmful substances in the eye, with the hope of protecting and improving vision for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Western New York Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX000669-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-11138540 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing symptoms of dry age-related macular degeneration or individuals with juvenile macular degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of macular degeneration or those without retinal health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel therapeutic strategy to address dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD) and juvenile macular degeneration (JMD) by targeting toxic substances that accumulate in the retina. The approach involves using ribozymes to potentially reduce the buildup of harmful compounds in retinal pigment epithelial cells, which are crucial for supporting vision. By investigating the biochemical processes that lead to cell damage and death in these conditions, the research aims to find a way to protect and restore retinal health. Patients may be monitored for changes in their retinal health and visual function as part of the treatment evaluation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or reverse vision loss in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific ribozyme approach is novel, similar strategies targeting toxic retinal compounds have shown promise in other studies.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Western New York Healthcare System
Buffalo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sullivan, John M. — VA Western New York Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Sullivan, John M.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
AI-powered tool to predict 2-year risk of late AMD
A new AI software helps people at risk of age-related macular degeneration understand their 2-year risk and what steps could protect their vision.
-
Active cycling program to support vision and daily living in Veterans with AMD
A 6-month online group spin cycling program is tested to help Veterans with age-related macular degeneration maintain vision and improve daily functioning.
-
Transplanting stem-cell–derived retinal cells to treat dry AMD
A medical team is testing a stem cell therapy to replace damaged retinal cells in adults with dry age-related macular degeneration.
-
RPESC-derived RPE Transplant for Dry AMD in adults
A new cell-based therapy derived from RPESCs is being tested to help adults with dry age-related macular degeneration regain vision.
-
New high-resolution OCT biomarkers to map early AMD changes
A new imaging approach using advanced OCT methods will help doctors see early changes in age-related macular degeneration to guide treatment and improve quality of life for older adults.
-
Targeting inflammation in age-related macular degeneration
Aims to understand how inflammation drives age-related macular degeneration in people and explore new targets to slow or stop vision loss.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.