This month, Fighting Blindness Canada is sharing clinical trial updates on two potential treatments for geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There are currently no approved treatments for GA in Canada.

Alkeus announced the results from their Phase 3 Saga study of an oral drug called gildeuretinol acetate (ALK-001) for patients with GA. Patients taking the daily drug showed a reduction in growth of the GA lesion compared to a placebo. However, the difference wasn–t large enough to be considered significant. Despite this, the company is optimistic about the results, especially as this is the first oral drug to show any impact on GA. Alkeus will be talking to regulatory agencies (e.g. FDA) to determine if there is a path to bring the treatment to patients.

Galimedix announced the launch of a Phase 2 study (eDREAM), testing an eye drop (GAL-101) to treat GA. The trial will compare the effect of the GAL-101 eye drops with a placebo. The trial will enroll up to 110 patients and researchers will observe if the drops slow the growth of the GA lesion. GAL-101 is also being studied for treatment of glaucoma and Alzheimer–s disease.

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