Stem-cell treatment for AMD to be available in 5 years
June 12th, 2007
It was announced last week that a team of researchers and clinicians is being assembled to develop the world’s first stem-cell treatment for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
The project, titled ‘The London Project to Cure AMD’ will see scientists from Moorfields, UCL and the University of Sheffield join forces in researching and developing a cure for the condition which affects approximately a quarter of the elderly population in the UK.
At a briefing earlier this week, London Medical’s very own Dr. Lydon Da Cruz discussed the research which will in particular tackle the ‘Dry’ version of the condition which accounts for the majority of cases and is currently untreatable. “Given AMD could affect up to one third of the population by 2070…the potential to create a treatment strategy is critical” he said.
‘Wet’ AMD is currently treatable with intravitreous injections, available at London Medical using the anti VEGF drugs Avastin™, Lucentis™ and Macugen™. Since London Medical launched the service in March 2006, over 1606 intravitreous injections have been logged, making it one of the most experienced London eye clinics for the treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
AMD is a disorder of the retina, the light-sensitive inner lining at the back of the eye. For further information about AMD, or to book an appointment with a consultant, please contact London Medical on 020 7467 5470
