Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is caused by the growth of abnormal, leaky blood vessels under the central retina, leading to rapid central vision loss if untreated. It affects millions of older adults worldwide and is a leading cause of blindness in people over 50 in developed countries. Regular intravitreal injections that block VEGF have transformed outcomes, but the treatment burden of frequent injections is substantial.
What's actually going on in research
Anti-VEGF therapy — aflibercept, ranibizumab, and bevacizumab — has been the standard of care for over a decade, preserving or improving vision in most patients when initiated promptly. Faricimab, a dual inhibitor of VEGF and angiopoietin-2, is now approved and extends treatment intervals for many patients. The Port Delivery System (PDS) with ranibizumab enables continuous drug delivery through a refillable eye implant. Trials are evaluating gene therapy using AAV vectors to enable the eye to produce its own anti-VEGF protein continuously, potentially eliminating injections.
Gene therapy for continuous protection
AAV-based subretinal and suprachoroidal gene therapy to enable sustained anti-VEGF protein production by ocular cells is in phase 2/3 trials, with the potential to eliminate recurring injections.
Bispecific antibody therapy
Faricimab, targeting both VEGF-A and angiopoietin-2, is now approved and extends injection intervals to 12–16 weeks in many patients; follow-on bispecific agents are in trials.
Sustained delivery implants
The Port Delivery System and similar refillable ocular implants are being studied to maintain continuous therapeutic drug levels and reduce the frequency of office visits and injections.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically requires confirmed wet AMD with active choroidal neovascularization, measurable vision loss, and often defined prior anti-VEGF treatment history.
What types of trials are currently open
- Gene therapy trials — AAV-delivered anti-VEGF gene constructs to enable sustained ocular protein production without injections.
- Extended-interval biologic trials — Testing new bispecific antibodies and formulations that maintain vision with less frequent dosing.
- Sustained delivery device trials — Evaluating refillable intraocular implants providing continuous ranibizumab or aflibercept exposure.
- Combination anti-VEGF trials — Studying multi-target anti-angiogenic drug combinations for patients with incomplete response to single-agent therapy.
- Neuroprotection trials — Testing agents to protect photoreceptors and retinal cells from damage beyond just blocking new vessel growth.
Recently added Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration trials
Receive a one-time gene therapy injection in your second eye
The purpose of this study is to evaluate safety, effectiveness and durability of a gene therapy called Ixo-vec (Ixoberogene soroparvovec) when administered to the contralateral (second) eye of adult participants (≥ 50 years of age) who have been diagnosed with bilateral neovascular (wet) age related macular degeneration (nAMD). The study will enroll adults with nAMD in both eyes, including participants who previously received Ixo-vec treatment in one (initial) eye and/or participants who will receive Ixo-vec treatment for the first time. This study focuses on how the treatment works when both eyes are treated at different times and how effective and long-lasting Ixo-vec treatment is in the second (contralateral) eye. Participants will receive a single administration of Ixo-vec in the contralateral eye and will be followed for approximately 5 years to evaluate safety, efficacy and durability of contralateral treatment. Secondary objectives include assessments that will evaluate clinical activity, including visual and anatomic outcomes, as well as the need for supplemental anti-VEGF therapy. The study is intended to provide additional information on the safety, tolerability, and use of Ixo-vec in bilateral treatment.
Phase 1b/2a Study of EYC-0305 in Patients With Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration
This Phase 1b/2a study will primarily investigate the safety and tolerability of EYC-0305 delivered by intravitreal (IVT) injection every 24 weeks in patients with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The pharmacokinetics (PK) and immunogenicity of EYC-0305, and the effect on disease activity and vision will also be evaluated.
Find Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.