Exploring New Horizons in Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration: Novel Mechanisms of Action and Future Therapeutic Avenues

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) can lead to significant vision impairment through the growth of abnormal neovascular membranes in the choroid. Despite advancements with current anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies, challenges such as frequent injections, inadequate response, and patient-related concerns persist. Emerging therapeutics aim to reduce vision-loss through a variety of mechanisms. Gene therapies, including RGX-314 and Ixo-vec, express an anti-VEGF protein, and 4D-150, expresses an anti-VEGF protein and a VEGF-C inhibitory miRNA. Anti-VEGF associated therapeutics include OPT-302, targeting VEGF-C and VEGF-D, BI 836880, which inhibits VEGF-A and Ang-2 activity, and Tarcocimab tedromer, inhibiting all VEGF-A isoforms. Agents with novel mechanisms of action include UBX1325, which inhibits an anti-apoptotic protein, Restoret (EYE103), a Wnt agonist, and the tyrosine kinase inhibitors, EYP-1901, OTX-TKI, CLS-AX, and KHK4951.