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Filtration apheresis 'promising' AMD treatment
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CHICAGO — A blood filtering procedure dubbed filtration apheresis is "showing promise" as a treatment for age-related macular degeneration, according to researchers here.
One year into the U.S. clinical trial, patients who underwent filtration apheresis were seeing an average of 3 lines better on an eye chart than patients in the control group, said Jose Pulido, MD.
"The study needs to be completed before we can draw final conclusions about the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. But the results to date, while preliminary, are statistically significant and give us hope," Dr. Pulido said.
Filtration apheresis removes impurities in the blood flow that might be associated with the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Recent research has indicated AMD may be associated with elevated levels of certain high-molecular-weight blood components such as fibrinogen, LDL cholesterol and other proteins.
Researchers plan on enrolling 180 patients at nine U.S. research centers, Dr. Pulido said.
Japan's Asahi Medical Co. developed the filter system, Rheopheresis, which has been approved for use in Germany and Canada. OccuLogix, based in Palm Harbor, Fla., will be seeking U.S. regulatory approval, and expects approval within 18 to 24 months.