About the Study

When a person has trouble with their vision, daily life can be challenging. Geographic atrophy (GA) in macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the world’s leading causes of vision loss and blindness. 

This research study seeks to help preserve vision in patients with Geographic Atrophy associated with Age-related Macular Degeneration (GA-AMD). Since this condition is a progressive disease with no approved therapy, the results of this study may help provide more information if it is possible to slow down the progression of the condition.

Why Participate? 

• Participants may receive either a new potential treatment or a sham regimen at no cost.
• Participants may experience a slowing of disease progression. 
• Those enrolled will be provided travel allowance, hotel accommodations, and meals during their participation.
  • Participants are also offered the option for a caregiver to travel with them.
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit those in the future.

Your Rights

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

Who Can Participate?

• Men and women aged 55 and above who are diagnosed with macular degeneration have been told by their ophthalmologist that they have geographic atrophy. 
• Must not have any additional serious eye conditions.
• Must be able to attend 9 study visits at the research site over approximately 48 weeks. Study visits may take up to 6-8 hours. 

Key Study Details 

The study team can explain the research study in its entirety but some study details are:

• Participants will be asked to complete an Intravenous Fluorescein Angiography (IVFA). This test involves injecting a fluorescent dye into the bloodstream. The dye highlights the blood vessels in the back of the eye.
• Participants will have a small amount of blood drawn.
• Participants will be asked to complete a procedure that requires extracting a sample of fluid from the eye. 
• The study medication is an injection into the eye. Participants will be given anesthesia to numb the eye before they receive the study medication. 
  • Participants may receive the study medication twice, with a 12-week interval in between each dose. There is a chance participants can be randomized to receive a sham treatment.

This research study is taking place in several locations. See below to see if there is a research site near you. 

Research Centre: Sunshine Eye Surgeons
Location: 204 Furlong Road, Sunshine Eye Surgeons
Lead Researcher: Dr. Thanh Nguyen
HREC: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee 

Research Centre: Southern Eye Specialists Ltd – Christchurch, New Zealand
Location: 128 Kilmore Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
Lead Researcher: Dr. James (Jim) Borthwick
HREC: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Northern A Health and Disability Ethics Committee

Research Centre: Retina and Eye Consultants – Hurstville NSW (Sydney)
Location: Level 3/33 Macmahon St, Hurstville NSW 2220, Australia
Lead Researcher: Dr. Derek Chan
HREC: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee

Please note:

Due to the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers would like to assure the participants that ensuring the safety of the participants as well as the study staff is of utmost importance.