Seri’s AMD programme concluded its first phase at the end of July. During this phase of their research, the team discovered new genes linked to AMD.
Prof Cheung said the research team will study how these genes affect the body’s metabolism and how other factors, including environmental ones, contribute to the development of AMD.
The team is working with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) on developing an antibody that can block a chemical substance which is elevated in individuals with AMD.
The new injection of funds for the programme will go towards the work in the second phase, which will focus on the development of earlier detection methods and better treatments.
There are four key areas in phase two of the programme – personalised treatment strategies, identification of high-risk individuals, development of better diagnostic tools and the study of the new genes linked to the development of AMD.
Working together with Seri and SNEC in the second phase are A*Star, Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore General Hospital and National University Hospital.
AMD patients typically receive eye injections to treat the condition. Patients can expect about six to nine such injections in the first year of treatment, followed by three to four every year thereafter.
Prof Cheung said the team is developing new treatments that last longer and can cater to patients with varying degrees of severity of AMD.
The team also hopes to focus on early detection and preventive intervention in high-risk individuals in the community.
Prof Cheung said risk factors include smoking or having a family history of AMD. But these explain only a small proportion of cases.
While there is no cure for AMD, early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve more vision by preventing permanent tissue damage.
Seri is teaming up with SingHealth to screen patients for AMD in community hospitals from early 2025. They hope to find 300 people with early AMD and monitor them for symptoms of advanced AMD over three to five years.
Other than a dim, blurry spot in one’s vision, symptoms also include crooked vision (straight lines appearing wavy) or patchy loss of vision.
A common complication that can occur in the later stages of AMD is fibrosis – the formation of scar tissue in the eye. It occurs in an estimated 50 per cent of patients with AMD.
Another $25m for research to fight eye disease that affects up to one in 10 seniors
