Complement Factor H–based Therapies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Official title: Complement Factor H-based Therapeutic Strategies in Macular Degeneration
Funded at Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-11310756 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study aimed at developing therapies that modulate the immune system to slow or prevent vision loss in people with age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2010 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX000444-16 |
| Project ID | NIH-11310756 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with or at high risk for age-related macular degeneration, particularly those at risk for geographic atrophy or early AMD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced disease currently not benefiting from therapy or those with contraindications to gene therapy or vector-based approaches may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in older adults. It explores how the eye’s immune system, especially the alternative complement pathway, contributes to AMD and how factor H may be used to control inflammation. The work includes 3-D cell culture models and AAV-based vectors to test therapeutic strategies, with emphasis on early disease intervention. Results could inform future clinical approaches to prevent geographic atrophy and improve visual outcomes for patients. The research is anchored at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center under the PI Baerbel Rohrer and aims to translate basic findings toward potential patient applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the strategies could lead to new treatments that protect vision for people with early AMD or geographic atrophy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown the importance of complement pathways in AMD, but therapies targeting factor H are still being explored with promising potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rohrer, Baerbel — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rohrer, Baerbel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A Small Molecule PROTAC for Macular Degeneration
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-
AI-powered tool to predict 2-year risk of late AMD
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Active cycling program to support vision and daily living in Veterans with AMD
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.