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Real members of myAMDteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Who is leading the Geographic Atrophy research in the USA?

A myAMDteam Member asked a question 💭
Tucson, AZ
February 5
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Treating Geographic Atrophy: What Your Doctor Wants You To Know (VIDEO) Read Article...
A myAMDteam Member

Researching is my middle name..lol...

February 5
A myAMDteam Member

I’m impressed and thankful Mary. Your answer gives me avenues to investigate. Thank you again.

February 5
myAMDteam

Who is leading geographic atrophy research in the USA?

While specific research leaders aren't detailed in the available information, there are several important developments in geographic atrophy research worth knowing about.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that several clinical trials are currently underway Show Full Answer

Who is leading geographic atrophy research in the USA?

While specific research leaders aren't detailed in the available information, there are several important developments in geographic atrophy research worth knowing about.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that several clinical trials are currently underway to treat geographic atrophy. This represents significant progress in understanding and managing this advanced form of dry AMD.

A major breakthrough came in 2023 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first two medications specifically for treating geographic atrophy:

- Pegcetacoplan (Syfovre)
- Avacincaptad pegol (Izervay)

These medications work by controlling inflammation and blocking the complement system, which is involved in the disease process. They're given as eye injections and may help slow disease progression.

Doctors and researchers continue to learn more about what causes geographic atrophy, including the role of a faulty immune system and genetics. Studies have identified at least two specific genes associated with AMD and geographic atrophy.

For information about specific research institutions or clinical trials that might be right for you, talk with your retina specialist or ophthalmologist. They can provide details about current research opportunities and whether you might be a candidate for any ongoing studies.

February 5
A myAMDteam Member

Especially when you fight 5 conditions that just happened in 2022 😕

February 5
A myAMDteam Member

I dug a little deeper for you

Research into Geographic Atrophy (GA) in the USA is led by a combination of academic medical centers, federal agencies, and pharmaceutical companies. Key leadership is currently defined by the development and trial of the first FDA-approved treatments, Syfovre and Izervay.
Leading Academic Research Institutions
Duke Eye Center: A primary leader in clinical research. Dr. Eleonora Lad served as the lead principal investigator for the Phase 3 OAKS study. The Duke Reading Center, led by Dr. Glenn Jaffe, acted as the lead reading center for major GA clinical trials.
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute: Consistently ranked as the top ophthalmology hospital in the US, it is a major site for GA clinical trials and imaging research.
Wills Eye Hospital: Actively involved in multicenter GA studies and consensus management for the disease.
Johns Hopkins (Wilmer Eye Institute): Home to experts like Dr. Neil Bressler, who provide high-level leadership in macular degeneration research and clinical standards.
University of Pennsylvania: Conducting the GALA Study to evaluate alpha-lipoic acid as a potential treatment for GA.
Federal and Collaborative Leadership
National Eye Institute (NEI/NIH): Provides critical federal funding and conducts internal research. Dr. Michael F. Chiang oversees NEI-funded discovery research that paved the way for current treatments.
Kapil Bharti, Ph.D. (NIH): Leading groundbreaking work in autologous stem cell therapy to replace retinal pigment epithelial cells damaged by GA.
Pharmaceutical Industry Leaders
Apellis Pharmaceuticals: Developed Syfovre, the first FDA-approved GA therapy.
Astellas Pharma (Iveric Bio): Developed Izervay, the second major approved treatment, and continues long-term extension studies like GATHER2.
Sanofi: Recently received Fast Track designation for its investigational GA therapy, SAR446597.
Non-Profit Research Funding
Foundation Fighting Blindness: Funds innovative research across diverse pathways, including gene therapies and inflammation-targeting treatments.
BrightFocus Foundation: A major global funder that awards grants specifically for macular degeneration research

😊

February 5

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