Fenretinide

Fenretinide Slows Progression of AMD

Fenretinide, a retinol inhibitor, slowed progression of dry AMD and prevented the development of choroidal neovascularization in a phase 2 study of geographic atrophy.  Jason Slakter, MD, reported these results at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, October, 2010.  Fenretinide halts the accumulation of a toxic byproduct of Vitamin A in the photoreceptors of the retina.  It also inhibits proteins that cause increased vessel growth, leading to bleeding in the retina.  A phase 3 trial will begin in 2011.

Fenretinide for Dry AMD

Data from a phase 2 trial of fenretinide showed a reduction in the incidence of wet age-related macular degeneration in patients with geographic atrophy, the advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration.  Alexander M. Eaton, MD, an investigator in the trial, said, “We are hopeful that the complete analysis will further validate these findings as fenretinide could slow vision loss in the millions of Americans who face blindness because of this disease.” The drug reduces VEGF, the proteins that cause growth of leaky vessels in the retina.

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