Research Updates

Age-Related  Macular Degeneration:

Two new phase III studies of RETANNE ^TM  Depot, by Alcon, Inc. (anecortave acetate) are now underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of treatment every six months with the investigational drug versus placebo. Over a four-year period, the studies will include 2,500 patients enrolled at 100 sites worldwide with advanced “dry” AMD who are at risk of progressing to “wet” AMD.   The FDA has given “Fast Track” designation to the development of anecortave acetate because it represents a significant unmet medical need for a serious condition.

  “These new trials represent uncharted territory for AMD therapy, said Jason S. Slakert, M.D., Chairman of the Anecortave Acetate Clinical Study Group.  “Though not as severe a disease as the wet form of AMD, dry AMD may progress into wet AMD and therefore lead to extensive vision loss.  Development of a treatment . . . could be a breakthrough for the disease” Alcon Press Release, Nov. 13, 2003).

The Visionary, published as a service of the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness,
is available upon request. The information contained in this issue,
taken from sources considered to be accurate,
does not replace the need for professional eye care consultations and treatments.

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