New Innovation in Ophthalmology: Groundbreaking Eye Drops Developed by Korean Scientists Target Dry AMD Condition
In a groundbreaking development, researchers have unveiled a new peptide-based eye drop treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a chronic eye condition that affects millions worldwide. This innovative treatment, currently in the preclinical phase, offers a more convenient and potentially safer alternative to existing injectable therapies.
The new treatment, developed by a team led by Dr. Moon-Hyeong Seo at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), has demonstrated enhanced efficacy and safety in preclinical studies. In mouse models of dry AMD, the eye drops have shown notable improvements in retinal health, restoring retinal morphology akin to normal conditions and reducing cellular apoptosis rates[1].
Current treatments for AMD, particularly wet AMD, often involve injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs like Eylea. While these treatments have been proven effective in slowing vision loss, they require regular injections, which can be burdensome and carry risks such as eye infections or cataracts[2]. In comparison, the peptide-based eye drops could offer a more straightforward treatment regimen, improving patient adherence.
The treatment's safety is another significant advantage. Eye drops might reduce the risk of complications associated with injections. By protecting retinal cells and reducing degeneration, these drops could provide a more holistic approach to managing dry AMD.
However, it is essential to note that the treatment has not yet been tested in human clinical trials. Transitioning to human clinical trials is crucial to assess its safety and efficacy in humans. Collaboration with pharmaceutical companies is necessary to advance these therapies[1].
KIST anticipates further advancements via collaborations within pharmaceutical sectors, advancing clinical trials ensuring wider access to the treatment and potentially transforming ocular healthcare landscapes worldwide. The innovation has far-reaching implications given rising life expectancies globally and increasing incidences of AMD among adults over 50 in industrialized nations.
The precise mechanisms underlying AMD remain elusive despite ongoing research. The disease can manifest as early as 50 years old, typically progressing after 65 years. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic disease affecting the central area of the retina known as the macula. The macula is rich in photoreceptors called cones, which are essential for sharp vision. Over time, waste management by the retinal pigment epithelium becomes less effective in AMD, leading to waste accumulation and potential retinal deformation, resulting in visual distortions.
Dry AMD accounts for 90% of all cases and can progress to the exudative or "wet" form, which involves new blood vessel proliferation in the macula, leading to severe visual acuity loss. The current standard for treating AMD primarily involves regular intravitreal injections, which come with their own set of challenges, including potential complications and moderate effectiveness.
The new method targets Toll-like receptor (TLR) inflammatory signaling pathways crucial in immune responses. A high-tech screening process sifted through 190,000 peptide candidates to identify those binding specifically with TLR proteins. The team aims to curb AMD progression through peptide-based therapies.
While the peptide-based eye drops show promise, they are still in the preclinical phase. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety compared to existing injectable therapies. If successful, these eye drops could revolutionise the treatment of dry AMD, offering a more convenient, safer, and potentially cost-effective alternative.
[1] Moon-Hyeong Seo et al., "Peptide-based eye drops for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration," Nature Communications, 12(1), 2021. [2] National Eye Institute, "Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)," accessed on 15 March 2023,
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