Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of severe and irreversible loss of central vision in people over the age of 50. 1 in 3 people over 70 are affected by AMD with 200 million people worldwide believed to be sufferers. More than 7 million in the U.S alone have early to moderate AMD. Severe AMD affects 1.8 million people in the US and the number suffering from AMD is expected to increase by 50% in 2020. Dry AMD accounts for 90% of all AMD cases.

AMD constitutes a clear unmet medical need and any successful preventative or therapeutic would make dramatic improvements in patient's lives. At present there is no available treatment to stop progression or improve vision for this type.

However, our client's Omega-3 fatty acid treatment (rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has demonstrated significant efficacy in halting and reversing damage to the photoreceptors caused by inflammation.

The oral formulation removes neuro-inflammation and allows recovery of the damaged photoreceptors; with improvement in vision acuity occurring within 4-6 weeks of orally delivered EPA omega-3 supplementation. EPA demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory properties in the retina, under correct dosage using EPA approximately doubles initial vision within 6 months (mean gain of 16 letters within 6 months on EDTRS chart).

Our client has appropriate intellectual protection in place and has both human and animal data to substantiate clinical findings. They are seeking an Ophthalmic focused partner to wholly out-license the IP to progress into Phase 2 trials and beyond.