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Prima Implant Offers Hope for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration

For years, dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has lacked effective therapeutic options. Now,a subretinal implant called Prima,developed by the Vision Institute (Inserm,CNRS,Sorbonne University) in collaboration with Pixium vision,is showing promising results in restoring functional central vision for patients with atrophic AMD. The findings, published October 21 in the New England Journal of medicine, represent a significant step forward in treating this debilitating condition.

Understanding Dry AMD and the Need for New Treatments

Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 60. Ther are two main forms: dry and wet AMD. Dry AMD, also known as atrophic AMD, is the more common form, affecting approximately 85-90% of cases. According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), dry AMD occurs when the macula – the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision – thins over time. This thinning is caused by the breakdown of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a layer of cells that supports the photoreceptor cells.

Currently, there are limited treatment options for dry AMD. While certain vitamins and minerals can slow the progression of the disease in some individuals, there is no cure and no way to restore vision already lost. This is where the Prima implant offers a potential breakthrough.

How the Prima Implant Works

The Prima implant is a microphotovoltaic device designed to be surgically implanted beneath the retina. It works by converting light into electrical signals,which then stimulate the remaining functional photoreceptor cells. Pixium Vision explains that the implant contains photovoltaic cells that generate a small electrical current when exposed to light. This current bypasses the damaged RPE cells and directly stimulates the photoreceptors, allowing patients to perceive shapes and movement.

Key Features of the Prima System:

• Subretinal Implantation: The implant is placed directly under the retina, close to the remaining photoreceptors.
• Microphotovoltaic Technology: Uses light-sensitive cells to generate electrical signals.
• wireless Power: The implant receives power wirelessly from an external device.
• Customizable: The implant can be tailored to the individual patient’s remaining vision.

Clinical Trial Results

The clinical trial involved 39 patients with advanced dry AMD. The results published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that the Prima implant significantly improved central vision in a ample number of patients. Specifically, patients were able to regain the ability to perform tasks such as reading a few lines of text and recognizing faces.

“the idea for this implant was born almost ten years ago,” explained Serge Picaud, research director at Inserm, to Le Figaro. “we wanted to create a device that could restore some of the central vision lost in patients with dry AMD.”

Future Outlook and Potential Impact

While the Prima implant is not a cure for dry AMD, it represents a significant advancement in the treatment of this condition. The ability to restore even partial vision can dramatically improve the quality of life for patients who have lost their central vision. Further research and development are underway to improve the implant’s performance and expand its applicability to a wider range of patients.