Adapted from the Cleveland Clinic
A Cleveland Clinic research team has developed the first animal model of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that will enable researchers to study the development and progression of AMD and conduct pre-clinical testing of new therapeutics.
The research team, led by Joe G. Hollyfield, Ph.D., Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute, modified specific proteins found in mouse blood so that the mouse’s immune system was forced to mount a response. This response causes the mouse to display characteristics of AMD in a short amount of time.
AMD is the most common cause of vision loss in the United States among adults 60 years or older. The disease is associated with aging and gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving.
“More than 8 million Americans are living with vision loss caused by AMD and 250,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The discovery of the animal model of AMD presents a significant opportunity to efficiently and effectively develop and test novel therapies to both prevent the disease and slow vision loss,” said Dr. Hollyfield. “Research conducted today may one day help find a cure for this progressive disease.”
Macular Degeneration Research (MDR), a program of the American Health Assistance Foundation, is proud to have Dr. Hollyfield as the Chairman of our MDR Scientific Review Committee.