iPSC-derived models for Dry AMD drug discovery
Presented by: Florian Régent and Duncan Borthwick
iPSC-derived models for Dry AMD drug discovery
Webinar! iPSC powered models for ophthalmology drug discovery. The critical role of iPSC-derived cells in studying Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and advancing drug discovery. Join our Head of Ophthalmology, Dr. Florian Regent for a LinkedIn webinar on this topic.
Dry AMD is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, affecting millions, with rates expected to rise due to global aging populations. Despite its prevalence, current treatment options remain limited, which shows the urgent need for better research models that can more accurately reflect human disease.
This is where iPSC technology can make a significant impact.
In this webinar, they discussed:
- The challenges in AMD research, including the complexities of modeling the disease and replicating its chronic, progressive nature in the lab.
- The use of iPSC-derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial (RPE) cells, which are crucial for mimicking the disease’s effects on the eye and providing a reliable platform for therapeutic testing.
- How chronic stressors, including blue light activation and lipofuscin accumulation, are being used to simulate the oxidative stress seen in AMD progression.
- An overview of the Halt-AMD project, a collaboration with Armana Therapeutics, where researchers are developing a 3D model that incorporates RPE cells, microglia, and photoreceptors, key cell types involved in AMD. This model aims to test the potential of innovative gene therapies for AMD treatment.