Study hints at possibility of new treatment for a type of macular degeneration

This type, known as 'wet AMD' is caused by growth of new blood vessels within the retina which is generally free of vascular activity.

Currently, the only treatment for wet AMD is an injection of a medication which blocks VEGF, a protein which is known to prompt formation of abnormal blood vessel growth. Kerur cautioned that the treatment can create scarring under the retina, and over time, the body stops responding to the procedure.

, researchers targeted the enzyme telomerase in mice with an experimental drug, which was found to suppress abnormal vascular growth in the retina. Telomerase functions to repair telomeres at the ends of chromosomes, though previous research found a high activity of the enzyme in the eye is linked to the growth of tumors and can stimulate VEGF production.

The experimental drug's effectiveness was similar to that of the current anti-VEGF treatment, though when using both the experimental drug and the current anti-VEGF treatment at lower doses, researchers reported the best therapeutic results.

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