Retina Institute of Hawaii Participating in Allergan Investigational Drug Study for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration

HONOLULU, July 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Retina Institute of Hawaii is one of approximately forty centers participating in the study of an investigational drug for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of severe vision loss in the elderly. Open since 2001, Retina continues to focus their commitment on finding the best possible future treatments for retinal diseases and providing access to research options.

The investigational drug, called AGN-150998, is being studied as a medication designed to inhibit abnormal vessel growth, which may help to resolve retinal swelling. Patients in this study will be randomly selected to receive the investigational medication and will then be followed for up to 32 weeks. All office visits, examinations and study medication will be at no cost to the study participants.

Wet AMD is an advanced stage of AMD that occurs as the lining in the back of the eye separates the macula from its blood supply breaking it down and allowing abnormal blood vessels to grow. Damage occurs because of the growth of new, leaky blood vessels under the retina. These vessels create swelling of the macula that then becomes damaged and scarred causing central vision loss.

Qualifying participants of the Allergan study must be 50 years of age or older, have AMD and have not had cataract surgery or Lasik treatments within the past three months. Eligibility for this study will be conducted, at no cost, in two screenings. A Retina specialist will conduct the first screening over the phone to determine if the subject has Wet AMD and is eligible for the study. Those who are eligible will be seen at Retina's offices for a second screening to determine specifically if they qualify for the clinical trial. Qualifying participants will receive the study medication and eye exams at no cost.

To find out if you are a candidate for this study, please discuss with your eye doctors, visit www.retinahawaii.com/amdstudy or contact Yuka Koinuma of Retina Institute of Hawaii at (808) 294-4238.

About Retina Institute of Hawaii

Retina Institute of Hawaii is an Oahu-based ophthalmic practice founded in 2001 by Dr. Michael D. Bennett. The Institute specializes in the medical and surgical management of sight threatening diseases that affect the retina, vitreous and macula, with focus on the prevention, suspension and reversal of vision loss. For more information, visit www.retinahawaii.com or call (808) 955-0255.

SOURCE Retina Institute of Hawaii