Eleonora M. Lad, MD, PhD, and James M. Harris, MD, PhD, recently highlighted major progress in the development of new therapies for geographic atrophy (GA), a leading cause of vision loss in dry age‑related macular degeneration.
A recent review published in Retina Today, titled "Trials and Innovations in Geographic Atrophy Therapy", Lad and Harris discuss four phase 3 therapies, elamipretide, tinlarebant, vonaprument, and cemdisiran, that are exploring innovative mechanisms ranging from mitochondrial protection to complement inhibition. A diverse group of phase 2 studies is also underway, including nanoparticle‑based treatments, phospholipid modulators, Fas‑receptor inhibitors, and multiple gene and stem cell therapies showing early promise in slowing GA progression or improving visual function.
Retinal prosthetic technologies, such as the PRIMA implant and SING IMT, are offering new possibilities for patients with late‑stage disease.
With therapies targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, complement pathways, and retinal regeneration, the GA pipeline is more robust than ever. Duke Eye Center remains committed to advancing research and expanding treatment options for patients affected by dry AMD.