New discover may lead to improved AMD detection

A rare mutation has been discovered that may be the cause of age related macular degeneration (AMD).

Researchers at Tufts Medical Centre have found that the presence of CFH R1210C can predict the risk of AMD disease in older adults.

Dr Soumya Raychaudhuri, first author on the paper, stated: "Our paper shows that there is a genetic variant that confers high risk of ... AMD.

"This finding not only clearly links CFH gene dysfunction to disease, but also might help to identify people who need to be screen more closely."

Trials for a stem cell therapy to treat AMD are also due to commence.

The use of stem cells in cell-replacement therapy is expected to dramatically change how degenerative diseases and other chronic conditions are treated.

Focusing primarily on replacing retinal pigment epithelium that are damaged in AMD, the trials will be ran by Professor Peter J Coffey who has transformed human embryonic stem cells into healthy, functioning RPE cells.

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