Age-related macular degeneration

• 1958Dexamethasone approved (FDA)
• 1963Fluocinolone acetonide approved (FDA)
• 2000Verteporfin approved (FDA)
• 2004Pegaptanib sodium approved (FDA)
• 2006Ranibizumab approved (FDA)
• 2011Aflibercept approved (FDA)
• 2019Brolucizumab approved (FDA)
• 2022Faricimab approved (FDA)
• 2023Avacincaptad pegol sodium approved (FDA)
• 2024Bevacizumab gamma approved (FDA)

Trials started per year, stacked by phase (darker = later phase). Source: ClinicalTrials.gov via Clin2, which tracks studies recruiting in recent years — early years undercount.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic, progressive disease. Treatments are disease-modifying: anti-VEGF injections for wet AMD reduce retinal fluid, slow vision loss, and often improve vision, but they do not cure. For dry AMD, no therapy reverses damage; high-dose antioxidants may slow progression. No vaccine or reliable prevention exists for most cases. The burden is shifting with an aging population, though precise trends are not available.

Can treatment restore vision already lost to AMD?

For wet AMD, anti-VEGF injections can sometimes improve vision by reducing retinal fluid, but they cannot restore tissue already destroyed. For dry AMD, no treatment reverses existing damage.

Is there a cure for AMD?

No cure exists. Current treatments aim to slow progression or manage symptoms, but they do not eliminate the disease.

What is the most important milestone in AMD treatment?

The approval of ranibizumab in 2006 marked a major advance, as it was the first anti-VEGF therapy shown to improve vision in many wet AMD patients.

Are there treatments for dry AMD?

No approved therapy reverses dry AMD damage. High-dose antioxidant supplements may slow progression from intermediate to advanced stages.