Wet AMD, prevailed in population over the age of 60, accounts for 15% of all AMD. cases. The disease progresses fast due to the leaky and abnormal outgrowth of choroidal vessels beneath the retina. Permanent vision loss could be resulted if proper medical intervention is not introduced. According to the WHO, there are 30 millions of wet AMD patients worldwide in 2022, and will be approaching 36 millions in 2030 ^a.

Standard treatments for wet AMD include Laser surgeries and Intravitreal (IVT) injections of anti-VEGF antibodies. IVT injections, although a common procedure, are often costly and very much a office-based procedure performed only by a physician. Patients will be stressed by the needles and the repeated visit schedule for injections. AEs following IVT like injection site pain, bleeding, inflammation or infection are constantly reported. In some severe cases of adverse events, retinal detachment, uprising IOP, or cataract formation are also possible.

Apparently, a novel way of topical ocular delivery of anti-VEGF treatment is not only technically feasible, but also fits patients’ expectation well.

Ref:
a. World report on vision. Geneva: WHO; 2019.