RecruitingPhase IInterventional

An early-stage study to see if U8:ranibizumab eye drops are safe, well-tolerated, and effective for patients with a specific eye condition called choroidal neovascularisation

This study is looking into a new eye drop treatment for 'wet' age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Wet AMD is an eye condition where abnormal blood vessels grow at the back of the eye, causing central vision loss. Currently, treatment involves injections into the eye, which can be uncomfortable. This new study aims to see if eye drops, which are much easier to use, are safe and effective. Participants aged 60 and over with wet AMD will first receive standard injections, then use the new eye drops daily for 12 weeks, with regular check-ups. The study hopes to find an easier and safer way to treat this common eye condition.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Phase I

Sponsor

University College London

Enrolment target

Start

20 May 2026

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2026

Wet age-related macular degeneration

What is this study about?

This research is looking at a new way to treat an eye condition called 'wet' age-related macular degeneration, or wet AMD. This condition happens when tiny, unwanted blood vessels grow in a part of your eye called the macula. This can lead to fluid leaks, bleeding, and can quickly damage your central vision, making it hard to see clearly, read, or recognise faces. People with wet AMD might notice their vision is wavy, or they have blurry spots and trouble seeing colours.

The usual treatment for wet AMD involves injections directly into the eye. While these injections help, some people find them uncomfortable, and there's a small risk involved with any injection. Imagine if you could use eye drops instead! This study is exciting because it's testing eye drops that contain a medicine already used for wet AMD, but in a new, simpler form. The main goal is to see if these eye drops are safe, easy to use, and work just as well, or even better, than the current injections.

We need to find out if these new eye drops cause any important side effects and then compare how well they work against the current injection treatment. If successful, this could mean a much more comfortable and less invasive way for people to manage their wet AMD in the future. It's an early-stage study, meaning we are taking careful steps to ensure safety and gather important information.

Key takeaways

New eye drops for 'wet' AMD are being tested to see if they're safe and work well.
This could offer a simpler treatment alternative to eye injections.
The study involves initial injections, then daily eye drops for 12 weeks, with close monitoring.
Participants must be aged 60+ and have wet AMD.
Your safety is the top priority; you'll have frequent check-ups.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be aged 60 or older and have a confirmed diagnosis of wet AMD. You should also be starting treatment for wet AMD with the standard injections, and your doctor needs to agree that these injections have worked well for you initially.

It's important that you or someone who can help you is able to put eye drops in regularly. Your vision in the study eye also needs to be within a certain range, which the study doctors will check. Women who are pregnant or could become pregnant are generally not able to join.

Some reasons you might not be able to join include if you only have one eye that can see, or if you have a serious medical condition that isn't under control, like a recent heart attack or stroke. Also, if your weight is outside a specific range, or if you've had certain eye surgeries, you might not be suitable for this particular study. The study team will review all this carefully with you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 60 years old or older?
Do you have 'wet' age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
Are you currently starting treatment for wet AMD with injections?
Can you or someone help you put eye drops in regularly?
Do you have generally good health, without severe, uncontrolled medical problems?
Are you not pregnant or of childbearing age if specific criteria aren't met?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will last about 7 months (28 weeks) in total. Firstly, you will receive three doses of the current standard eye treatment (injections into the eye). After these initial injections, you will then start using the study eye drops. You will put these drops into your eye once every day for 12 weeks. Throughout this time, and for another 4 weeks after you stop the drops, the study team will closely monitor you for any side effects.

You'll have more frequent check-ups than usual (every 2 weeks) at the study clinic to make sure everything is going well and to spot any issues early. This is more often than the usual every 2 months for standard care. Once you've finished the eye drops, you'll be monitored for another 4 weeks. At the very end of the study, you'll have one final visit to be discharged and return to your usual care, which might involve continuing with eye injections if needed.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part could be helping to find a new, easier way to treat wet AMD that doesn't involve injections, which would be a big improvement for many people. However, because these eye drops are new, we don't know everything about them yet. While the medicine itself has been used in eye injections for years, this eye drop version is being used for the first time in humans for wet AMD. So far, no side effects have been seen when this specific eye drop has been tested in non-human eyes. It's possible you might experience some mild eye discomfort, irritation (like redness or swelling), or a small amount of discharge. Ingredients in the drops might cause side effects like constipation or stomach upset, or mild eye/skin irritation. You'll have very regular check-ups to catch any side effects quickly. If there are any concerns, you'll be switched back to standard injection treatment. You are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason.

Locations (1)

Western Eye Hospital
Approximate
London, England

Common questions

What is 'wet' age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

It's an eye condition where abnormal blood vessels grow in the macula (a part of your eye), causing fluid or blood leakage and damaging your central vision. It can make things look blurry or distorted.

Why eye drops instead of injections?

Current treatment involves injections into the eye, which can be uncomfortable. Eye drops would be a much simpler, less invasive way to treat the condition, if they prove to be safe and effective.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The study will last for about 28 weeks, which is roughly 7 months, from your first injection to your final check-up.

Will I still get eye injections in this study?

Yes, you will first receive three standard eye injections before starting the new eye drops. If the eye drops aren't working or cause concerns, you'll return to standard care, which includes injections.

Who is funding this research?

This study is being supported by the Wellcome Trust in the UK.

How to find out more

Francesca Cordeiro

m.cordeiro@ucl.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.