Age-related macular degeneration, also known as AMD, is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.
AMD occurs when the macula, the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that controls sharp, straight-ahead vision, degenerates with age.
Aging and age-related disorders arise from the cumulative, long-term damage associated with free-radical production along with a simultaneous decline in antioxidant defences. AMD, retinitis pigmentosa and glaucoma are orphan of treatment.
There are two prominent varieties of AMD, “dry” AMD and “wet” AMD. The most common is dry AMD, representing about 70-80% of cases.
Cerium Oxide
Cerium is a rare earth element that, in its oxide form, has biomedical potential and has been proven to remove oxidative stress in cases of metabolic imbalances.
Researchers at the Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital have developed “luCeria”, an eyedrop formulation containing cerium oxide in nanoparticle form, that has shown potential for treating AMD.
Laboratory trials on animals have shown luCeria to work effectively, stopping and reversing vision loss.
The key factor in the effectiveness of this treatment is the small size (approx. 3nm) of the cerium oxide, which has been shown to pass through the external barriers and reach the interior segment of the eye, and the retina.
Market Analysis
AMD typically affects individuals from age 55 onwards, with an estimated 8% of individuals in the age group (170 million people globally) suffering from some degree of loss or impairment of vision.
The global market for Age-related Macular Degeneration Treatment was valued at USD 7.45 Billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 11.98 Billion by 2028 (https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/macular-degeneration-treatment-market/)
This estimate is likely to be low as the current approaches are invasive, and only work to slow progression of the disease or endeavour to reduce the risk of onset
Additionally, luCeria can be used as a preventative treatment in at-risk individuals (anyone over the age of 55, and certainly those with a known family history), which can greatly reduce the incidence and subsequent impact of the disease.
We expect it will take at most five additional years to complete clinical trials and obtain full approval for luCeria for use in treating AMD in humans.
We are also investigating other pathways to commercialise luCeria, including release into the veterinary market to treat similar conditions in dogs and cats.
“luCeria” treatment for AMD
luCeria is a ground-breaking innovation in treating a major disease with potential to improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.
The “dry” variant of AMD is currently “orphan of treatment” (there are no effective treatments).
Available options for slowing the progress of “wet” form of the disease include injection of drugs into the eye and laser cauterisation of the retina, both of which are high risk and damaging to the eye.
luCeria has been proven to reverse damage to retinal tissue and restore visual acuity in both “wet” and “dry” forms of AMD.
luCeria is a simple to use, non-invasive, safe and effective eye-drop formulation, used once per day in each eye.
As well as halting and partially reversing the damage done by AMD, luCeria can be taken as a preventative treatment to reduce the onset of AMD.
luCeria is a patented invention supported by significant EU research grants and years of research and development.