A Genetic Screening Study for Subjects With Geographic Atrophy

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    GTTELESCOPE - A STUDY TO GENETICALLY DEFINE SUBJECTS WITH GEOGRAPHIC ATROPHY SECONDARY TO AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

  • IRAS ID

    280281

  • Contact name

    Clare Bailey

  • Contact email

    clare.bailey@bristol.ac.uk

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Research Summary:
    Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a disease of the retina that results in loss of vision in the macula (centre of the eye). When Dry AMD progresses, this can lead to a condition called Geographic Atrophy (GA), causing further loss of vision due to damage to the retina cells (cells that enable us to see). This may lead to blurred or loss of vision in one or both eyes. There is currently no treatment available for Dry AMD.

    A family history of Dry AMD increases the risk of developing the disease, which suggests there is a genetic link. It has also been shown that over-activation of a part of the immune system, called the complement system, further contributes to the development of the disease.

    A recent study has shown that people with known changes in specific genes of interest are at a higher risk of developing severe Dry AMD disease. The purpose of this study is to identify these patients.

    For each subject, the study will consist of a single visit whereby a saliva sample will be collected for genotyping. Subjects who qualify will be given the option to consent into a separate interventional trial for dry-AMD.

    Summary of results:
    The report was made for internal use only and for reporting to applicable regulatory bodies.

  • REC name

    West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    20/WM/0126

  • Date of REC Opinion

    21 May 2020

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion