Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD) is a progressive, degenerative disease which results in irreversible blindness. In nAMD, vasculature develops abnormally, which triggers an immune response leading to fibrotic scarring which permanently damages photoreceptor cells. There are currently no treatment options which can help patients restore lost vision from subretinal fibrotic scarring. nAMD is one of the leading causes of blindness, and by 2040, an estimated 288 million patients will be diagnosed with some form of AMD.

The current standard of care for nAMD patients are intraocular injections of Anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), which limits newly forming vasculature contributing to the progression of subretinal fibrosis. 20-40% of patients suffering from subretinal fibrosis are not responsive to anti-VEGF treatment, and of the patients who are responsive, many discontinue treatments because they are not satisfied with the treatment efficacy and/or because of the difficulty associated with regular intraocular injections of anti-VEGF. Traditionally, identifying fibrotic areas in Subretinal Fibrosis has proven insurmountable, as current literature only recognize these areas as “drusen deposits” or “Highly Reflective Material.”

By leveraging our Collagen Hybridizing Peptides, 3Helix is at the forefront of advancing the understanding and treatment of fibrotic scarring in nAMD. Our innovations provide a new pathway for researchers to monitor and potentially reverse subretinal fibrosis, offering hope for millions affected by this degenerative disease.