At the recent ARVO (Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology) conference, Acucela presented new data from its Phase 2a trial of ACU-4429, an oral treatment for dry macular degeneration.  The pill is designed to reduce the build-up of toxic by-products in the retina.  This "debris" is thought to be a major contributing factor to the progression of AMD.

The results of the trial were positive and plans are proceeding for a Phase III clinical trial later this year. ACU-4429 is a visual cycle modulator, affecting the rod cells of the retina, which give you "black and white" vision (the cone cells deliver color vision).  The clinical trial included 56 people with geographic atrophy (GA), the advanced form of dry AMD.  The dose of the pill was increased over time and some of the people only received a placebo treatment (a pill with no medicine).  Vision tests and other measurements showed that that ACU-4429 was successful in modulating the visual cycle in doses up to 10 mg.

The pill showed no major safety issues.  However, because the rod cells are affected, night vision was reduced and participants were cautioned not to drive at night.

We will let you know when the Phase III trial begins, if you are interested in participating.  No more definite information about the trial is available at this time.

May 2012