New approach to macular degeneration treatment

Did you know? Researchers at the University of Florida are testing a new compound, Compstatin, for its effectiveness in preventing complications of macular degeneration. This small protein blocks complement, which promotes inflammation in the body. It is believed that complement is involved upstream in the process which eventually leads to abnormal blood vessels forming and bleeding in macular degeneration.

Three volunteers with macular degeneration have had their eyes injected with compstatin, and they are now being monitored for side-effects. I am very interested to know the frequency that these medicines would be needed, as it is not pleasant to have medicine injected into the eye!

Did you also know? The drugs Avastin and Lucentis, both produced by Genentech, have revolutionized treatment of macular degeneration. These compounds, unlike any previous treatment, can cause regression of bleeding in the eye and improvement of vision!