New treatments for advanced age-related macular degeneration
A new class of wet AMD therapeutics
This study is looking at how a new treatment using ketone bodies might help people with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by stopping the growth of harmful blood vessels in the eye, and it will also see how these ketones work with current treatments to improve eye health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142093 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new class of therapeutics for advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that can lead to permanent blindness. The study will explore how ketone bodies can suppress the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye, a process known as choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Researchers will investigate the mechanisms behind this effect, including the role of immune cells in regulating inflammation. The approach includes testing the effectiveness of ketone metabolites alone and in combination with existing treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with advanced age-related macular degeneration, particularly those experiencing choroidal neovascularization.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage age-related macular degeneration or those without CNV may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for preventing vision loss in patients with advanced AMD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using metabolic approaches to treat neovascular conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pearsall, Elizabeth — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Pearsall, Elizabeth
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 below.