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World J Ophthalmol. Nov 12, 2014; 4(4): 130-139
Published online Nov 12, 2014. doi: 10.5318/wjo.v4.i4.130
Published online Nov 12, 2014. doi: 10.5318/wjo.v4.i4.130
Age-related macular degeneration treatment in the era of molecular medicine
Rick N Nordgren, Ahmed M Elkeeb, Bernard F Godley, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, United States
Author contributions: Nordgren RN, Elkeeb AM and Godley BF contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Bernard F Godley, MD, PhD, MBA, FACS, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States. bgodley@utmb.edu
Telephone: +1-409-7475413 Fax: +1-406-7475435
Received: May 28, 2014
Revised: October 4, 2014
Accepted: October 23, 2014
Published online: November 12, 2014
Processing time: 169 Days and 14.2 Hours
Revised: October 4, 2014
Accepted: October 23, 2014
Published online: November 12, 2014
Processing time: 169 Days and 14.2 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: New therapies for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) such as stem cell transplantation and viral vector delivery are currently under intense investigation. Possible new treatments for both non-exudative and exudative AMD are on the horizon. Human embryonic stem cell derived retinal pigment epithelial cells have been transplanted into the subretinal space in human subjects. Viral vectors that encode proteins with a strong affinity for vascular endothelial growth factor are in clinical trials. In light of these exciting advances in both genetic and stem cell therapy, the future of AMD treatment shows substantial promise.