Pixabay/Gerd Altmann
19 October 2020
A gene therapy company is encouraging patients with late-stage dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to donate a saliva sample for research examining the genetic basis of the condition.
Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited aims to recruit 6000 patients with geographic atrophy due to dry AMD.
The global Scope study involves patients providing a single saliva sample. Door-to-door transport to local research centres is available free of charge.
Patients found to be carrying genetic mutations associated with the condition may be invited to enrol in further investigational gene therapy trials.
Consultant ophthalmologist and London principal investigator, Mr Paulo Stanga, highlighted that performing large-scale genotyping is critical to understanding the genetics of dry AMD.
“This research will also help guide us as we develop novel therapies for the future,” he shared.
Macular Society chief executive, Cathy Yelf, highlighted that while dry AMD is the most common form of the disease, there are currently no treatments.
“We must do all we can to help develop medicines that can hopefully slow the progression of this sight-limiting disease and save as much of people’s vision as possible. If you know someone with dry AMD, please encourage them to provide a saliva sample and help with this vital research,” she said.
Patients interested in participating in the study can contact the research team on 01438 532142.
Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited aims to recruit 6000 patients with geographic atrophy due to dry AMD.
The global Scope study involves patients providing a single saliva sample. Door-to-door transport to local research centres is available free of charge.
Patients found to be carrying genetic mutations associated with the condition may be invited to enrol in further investigational gene therapy trials.
Consultant ophthalmologist and London principal investigator, Mr Paulo Stanga, highlighted that performing large-scale genotyping is critical to understanding the genetics of dry AMD.
“This research will also help guide us as we develop novel therapies for the future,” he shared.
Macular Society chief executive, Cathy Yelf, highlighted that while dry AMD is the most common form of the disease, there are currently no treatments.
“We must do all we can to help develop medicines that can hopefully slow the progression of this sight-limiting disease and save as much of people’s vision as possible. If you know someone with dry AMD, please encourage them to provide a saliva sample and help with this vital research,” she said.
Patients interested in participating in the study can contact the research team on 01438 532142.
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