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news.Roche has started enrolling patients into phase III trials of lampalizumab in Scotland to treat geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that leads to a progressive loss of vision.
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The clinical trials will be undertaken across Edinburgh and South Ayrshire.
NHS Lothian consultant ophthalmic surgeon Baljean Dhillon is one of 300 doctors across 24 different countries taking part in the study.
He described the research as an exciting step forward for people living with the devastating condition.
Claire Jarvis of Roche UK said: "Geographic atrophy is one of the last remaining unconquered diseases in ophthalmology and our years of research and development in retinal eye diseases have provided us with the insights needed to trial a potential medicine that could slow its progression.
"We are pleased that this trial programme is taking place in Scotland and we look forward to seeing the outcomes of the trial in due course."
Lampalizumab is being investigated to evaluate its effect on the progression of GA associated with advanced AMD.
It is an antigen-binding fragment (Fab) of a humanised, monoclonal antibody directed against complement factor D, which is a rate-limiting enzyme involved in the activation of the alternative complement pathway (ACP), a component of the immune system.
Roche said genetic polymorphisms as well as hyperactivity of the ACP have been implicated in the development of AMD including GA.
GA is a progressive, irreversible and blinding disease. Visual impairment associated with GA affects both eyes in several individuals.
Patients with GA could have visual problems with reading, recognising faces, and activities in low illumination.
Image: Site Roche Basel. Photo: courtesy of F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.