Macular Research

Genetic risk factors AMD

Principal Investigator: A/Prof Robyn Guymer

This project is aimed at identifying genes that are associated with AMD. We also are interested in isolating genes that play a role in early onset disease and in predisposing to progression of the disease. This study will help direct areas of further genetic and intervention research. We currently have a large twin study underway where we will identify more precisely what characteristics of the macular are inherited and the twins may provide new information about environmental risk factors.

Epidemiology of AMD

Principal Investigator: A/Prof Robyn Guymer

This project aims to investigate environmental risk factors for AMD and its progression to sight-threatening complications. In particular we have investigated the role of cardiovascular disease in AMD and are currently involved in a large epidemiological study; the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study where we hope to elucidate dietary and lifestyle factors that impact on the risk of AMD

Retinal function as a predictor of risk of developing severe visual loss in AMD

Principal Investigator: A/Prof Robyn Guymer
Co- principal Investigator: Algis Vingrys

In this study a battery of tests are being conducted that look at how the retina functions in very early AMD. Ideally, this will result in the development of a test to be used to monitor progression of AMD in the Clinic and predict outcome at a time when intervention is not too late. NHMRC funding has enabled a five year study, starting in 2004, to monitor people with early AMD to define which tests should go forward to develop a prototype for clinical development.

Delaying progression of AMD. A randomised clinical trial.

Principal Investigator: A/Prof Robyn Guymer

The MRU commenced a study to test whether statins (cholesterol lowering medication) could be used to delay progression of AMD, the first study of its kind in the world. Patients with high risk characteristics but no CNV in the study eye are recruited for this study. Patients are either randomised to Simvastatin or placebo. This study aims to determine whether or not this treatment can slow progression of the disease.

International multi-centred clinical trials for the treatment of neo-vascular AMD.

Principal Investigator: A/Prof Robyn Guymer

These clinical studies are carried out in partnership with RVEEH through the medical retinal clinic. The studies that are already completed or still undergoing are listed below:

• A Phase II/III, randomized, double-masked, controlled, dose ranging, multi-center comparitive trial, in parallel groups, to establish the safety and efficacy of Intravitreal injections of EOP001 (anti-VEGF pegylated aptamer) given every 6 weeks for 54 weeks, in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 2002-2005
• An evaluation of efficacy and safety of posterior juxtascleral administrations of anecortave acetate for depot suspension (15mg or 30mg) versus sham administration in patients at risk of developing sight-threatening choroidal neovascularization (CNV) due to exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 2003-2005
• An evaluation of efficacy and safety of posterior juxtascleral injections of anecortave acetate 15mg (0.5ml of 30 mg/ml anecortave acetate suspension) versus visudyne in patients with subfoveal exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) eligible for initial treatment with photodynamic therapy (PDT) using visudyne. 2003-2005
• A Phase III, multicentre, randomized, double-masked, active treatment-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of RhuFab V2 (Ranibizumab) compared with Verteporfin(Visudyne®) Photodynamic Therapy in subjects with predominantly classic subfoveal neovascular age-related macular degeneration. 2004-2006
• A Phase II, Randomised, Masked, Single and Multiple- Dose, Sequential Dose Escalation Study of AG-013958 Compound to determine the efficiency and ocular and systemic safety of AG-013958 for 13 weeks following a single administration of ST injection and for 104 weeks following multiple ST injections in subjects with age related macular degeneration.
• Phase III Multicenter, Randomized, Double- Masked, Controlled Study of Squalamine Lactate (MSI-1256F) for Injection to evaluate the safety and efficacy of two doses (40mg and 20mg) of Squalamine Lactate, administered as intravenous infusions, for the treatment of Subfoveal Choroidal Neovascularization Associated with Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
• A randomised, double-masked, active controlled, multi-centre study comparing the efficacy and safety of ranibizumab (0.3mg and 0.5mg) administered as two dosing regimens in patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration.
• A randomised, double-masked, multi-centred, phase I/II study of the safety of PTK787 administered in conjunction with photodynamic therapy with Visudyne to patients with predominantly classic, minimally classic or occult with no classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration

The Centre also conducts ocular genetics research on AMD