New AMD Gene Discovered
Meal on Wheels
Experimental
Squalamine for Wet AMD
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New AMD Gene Discovered
An exciting gene discovery adds to the growing proof that Macular Degeneration can be hereditary. This is the first gene mutation found that is directly tied to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The discovery of this gene mutation bolsters hope for a therapy to prevent and potentially cure AMD. Dennis W. Schultz, Ph.D. and a team of researchers from the Casey Eye Institute of Oregon Health and Science University reports the finding of a mutation of a gene called HEMICENTIN-1. The mutation was discovered in multiple generations of a large family with many members with AMD. AMD is a progressive disease of the macula, the portion of the retina where central vision is the sharpest. Approximately one in four Americans 65 and older has AMD or is at significant risk. It is estimated that 42 million Americans will be living with this disease by the year 2030. Dr. Gerald Chader, Ph.D., M.D. from the Foundation Fighting Blindness believes this discovery will lead to the detection of other AMD-causing genes and ultimately to treatments. FFB-funded research led to earlier discoveries of genes responsible for macular degeneration, including the ABCR gene for Stargardt Disease, a juvenile form of Macular Degeneration. Additionally, researcher Johanna Seddon, M.D., found a greater likelihood of AMD among relatives of individuals with the ABCR gene in her studies of family members and of twins. Gene therapy holds tremendous potential for treating retinal degenerative diseases. This was proven a couple of years ago in the dog �Lancelot.� He and his littermates, born blind with LCA (a form of Retinitis Pigmentosa) had their functional vision restored through gene therapy. Dr. Schultz's research shows that a HEMICENTIN-1 mutation is only one contributor to AMD. It should be noted that although we are seeing a definite risk due to inheritance, we also know that environmental factors such as cigarette smoking, diet, and blood pressure can play a role.
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| Meals on Wheels, also known as the Home Delivered Meals Program, assists homebound persons over 60 years of age who, due to physical or emotional impairments, are unable to prepare nutritious meals for themselves. They usually are unable to attend a Senior Dining Center and lack a support system to assist with meal preparation. The meals provide a minimum of one-third the daily nutrients recommended for older adults. No salt is added, and low fat or skim milk and margarine are served with all meals. Fresh fruit is available in place of dessert. If you are able to heat your own meal, it will be delivered cold and should be refrigerated until heating. If necessary, the meal may be delivered hot. Volunteers deliver meals between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm . Holiday meals are delivered frozen prior to the holiday. A suggested donation is requested to help defray the cost of the meal. For more information about this worthwhile program, call Elder Services at 1-800-244-4630.
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Experimental
Squalamine for Wet AMD This past Fall, the manufacturer of a study drug to treat wet AMD announced positive findings in patients. The drug, called Squalamine, is an anti-angiogenic drug being tested in a Phase I/II clinical trial. Phase I and II are the early stages in the drug testing process in humans and access the safety and dosing level of a drug in a small number of patients. This part is now closed to enrollment. The drug was tested in 39 patients who received the drug intravenously once a week for 4 weeks. When researchers tested vision 4 months after the study began, they found that every participant had better vision than when they started, or vision had not decreased. Ten patients had three lines or greater improvement in visual acuity. Twenty-nine patients had preserved vision. Wet AMD is caused by a growth of abnormal blood vessels under the macula. An anti-angiogenic drug like Squalamine halts the growth of new blood vessels. Researchers hope this will help them manage AMD. Squalamine is one of several anti-angiogenic drugs being tested for treating AMD. Future Phase II clinical study will likely include testing of the therapy to maintain the positive outcome, testing of various drug dosages, and testing of Squalamine in combination with Photodynamic Therapy. Enrollment is likely to start by June, 2004. If successful, Phase III studies will include larger numbers of patients for obtaining data on visual acuity that can be used to support application to bring Squalamine to market. Dr. Hugo Quiroz-Mercado of Hospital Luis Sanchez Bulnes in Coyoacan, Mexico conducted the research. For more information, go to www.genaera.com, the website of the manufacturer of Squalamine. |
Seminar a Huge Success!Our �Hope and Hype� seminar held back on November 1 st was an overwhelming success, thanks to all of our volunteer drivers, COA busses, the Yarmouth COA, Dr. Michael Morley, Jane Walsh, and Novartis Ophthalmics. Over 200 people attended and undoubtedly learned a great deal. We should also thank the weather � it was beautiful! |
