Scientists at the University of Birmingham are one step closer to developing an eye drop that could revolutionize treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration.

The condition is currently treated by injections of anti-VEGF drugs into the eye. Drops have already been tested successfully in rats. This latest study, published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (IOVS), demonstrates that eye drops can deliver a therapeutically effective amount of drugs to the retina of larger mammalian eyes like rabbits and pigs. Pending patents for the eye drops are now owned by U.S. based company, Macregen Inc.

A team of U.K. researchers at the University of Birmingham Institute of Microbiology and Infection is working with the company to develop a novel range of therapies for wet AMD and other eye diseases. The combined team is expediting proof of concept studies. Upon completion, clinical trials could begin as early as the Spring 2019.

An exclusive MD Foundation video interview with the researcher available here: