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Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative disease that causes a progressive loss of central vision.

The vision loss is concentrated in the macula, the central area of the retina responsible for high-detail vision for tasks like face recognition or reading. AMD is commonly classified into dry AMD caused by a thinning of the retina as photoreceptors degenerate or wet AMD caused by abnormal blood vessels in the retina.

Illustration of a healthy retina showing light entering and traveling through the first two layers of the retina, getting absorbed by the third, and converted into a visual signal.
In a healthy retina, light travels past the first two layers of cells and is converted by the photoreceptors into bioelectric signals. The photoreceptors then send these signals through the retinal layers to the optic nerve, which carries them to the brain.
Illustration of a diseased retina showing light entering and traveling through the first two layers of the retina, and not producing any further signal.
In a retina affected by AMD, the photoreceptors have degenerated such that light is not converted into bioelectric signals but the other cells are still intact.
Illustration showing the action of the PRIMA implant as it stimulates remaining intact neurons.

Our Approach to Treatment

The PRIMA implant builds on decades of research to miniaturize solar technology. It is inserted into the subretinal space where the photoreceptors have degenerated, and electrical stimulation activates the remaining intact neurons to restore vision.

Learn more about PRIMA

Current Status

Science's PRIMAvera clinical study in Europe was focused on AMD and has been completed with positive preliminary results. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the PRIMA implant on patients with AMD. Based on these results, we have submitted an application for a CE mark to the European Union. A separate feasibility study in the US continues.

  • Europe

    1. Preclinical (R&D)

      Completed

    2. Feasibility Study

      Completed

    3. PRIMAvera Study

      Completed

    4. CE Mark

      Ongoing

    5. Commercial Launch

  • United States

    1. Preclinical (R&D)

      Completed

    2. Feasibility Study

      Ongoing

    3. Clinical Trial

    4. Limited Availability

    5. General Availability

Resources

More information about treatment options, disease details, and current research