Treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration: A review

Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2023 Nov;51(8):835-852. doi: 10.1111/ceo.14294. Epub 2023 Sep 22.

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration is a global disease with a significant societal impact. The advent of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy (anti-VEGF) has revolutionised the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD) is being investigated for possible therapeutic options. The therapeutic categories undergoing clinical trials include complement pathway inhibitors, visual cycle modulators, reduction of toxic byproducts, antioxidative therapy, neuroprotective agents, laser therapy, surgical options, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and miscellaneous treatments. Two intravitreal anti-complement factors (pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol) have recently shown phase 3 clinical trial evidence of a reduction in the growth of geographic atrophy. In this review, we provide an update on treatment options currently undergoing clinical research trials for the management of dAMD and preventing the progression of Geographic Atrophy (GA).

Keywords: age-related macular degeneration (AMD); complement inhibitors; dry age-related macular degeneration.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Geographic Atrophy* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Intravitreal Injections
  • Macular Degeneration* / drug therapy
  • Wet Macular Degeneration* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors