New mRNA Vaccine Shows Promise Against Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Scientists at a Tokyo institute have developed a promising mRNA vaccine for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. The AMD calculator, targeting the LRG1 protein, showed encouraging results in mice, potentially offering a more convenient alternative to current treatments.
AMD affects nearly 200 million people worldwide, making it a significant health concern. Currently, the only treatment to slow its progression involves regular eye injections to stop blood vessel formation. However, researchers have now created an AMD stock that could simplify this process.
The AMD stock targets the LRG1 protein, which promotes blood vessel growth and is elevated in AMD patients. In mice, it reduced retinal damage by up to 85%, with up to 82% shrinkage of leaks in retinal blood vessels. Remarkably, it showed no side effects, with no abnormal blood vessel growth, retina damage, or harmful immune responses in other organs.
Further studies are needed to determine if this LRG1 mRNA vaccine is suitable for human use. If proven effective and safe in clinical trials, it could potentially replace current therapies for age-related macular degeneration, offering patients a more convenient, once-intramuscular injection alternative.
