The researchers from the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), in partnership with the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre of Sun Yat-sen University, discovered a groundbreaking light-activatable prodrug nanomedicine for treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The researchers designed an innovative photoactivatable prodrug nanosystem. Upon a single intravenous injection of these nanoparticles into a mouse model with choroidal neovascularization, exposing the mouse's eye to red-light activated the nanoparticles.
This activation induced the generation of ROS (reactive oxygen species), leading to the regression of abnormal neovascularization. Additionally, it triggered the release of anti-angiogenic drugs from the nanoparticles, effectively inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels. This dual action showed promising results in curtailing the progression of the disease.
By administering the nanomedicine via intravenous injection and applying light irradiation to affected eyes, a combined therapy involving both anti-angiogenic and photodynamic approaches can be activated.
This presents a minimally invasive alternative for treating not only AMD but also other ocular disorders characterised by abnormal blood vessel growth. This innovative method holds promise as a targeted and effective strategy to manage such conditions without invasive procedures.
The primary treatment for wet AMD involves intravitreal injections of antibodies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, this invasive procedure is uncomfortable for patients and poses risks of serious ocular complications, including endophthalmitis and retinal detachment.
Furthermore, anti-angiogenic agents often exhibit limited effectiveness in regressing existing neovascularisation. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) provides a clinical solution by employing non-toxic photosensitisers activated by specific light wavelengths to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS can effectively damage and eliminate neovascularization.
This combined therapy showcased outstanding therapeutic efficacy, notably without any discernible systemic or ocular side effects.
