# Progression of Early Atrophic Lesions in Age-related Macular degeneration

> **NIH NIH R01** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 2024 · $385,000

## Abstract

SUMMARY
We will focus on a previously largely under-explored but highly relevant time window in progression of
age-related macular degeneration (AMD), i.e., `early atrophic AMD'. We postulate that a therapeutic effect
in early atrophic AMD would probably save a large proportion of patients from progressive visual function loss
and that it seems more justifiable to risk interventions in this time window than in earlier AMD stages. Against
this background, a comprehensive knowledge of the natural disease progression in this potential
therapeutic margin is essential. We will implement innovative multimodal high-resolution retinal imaging,
comprehensive functional testing, and assessment of vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) combined with
standardized and exploratory analysis strategies in a prospective, longitudinal study. This will enable us to
characterize and quantify the microstructural changes and associated functional and VRQoL deficits in
eyes with early atrophic lesions with unprecedented accuracy. Knowledge of the strongest risk factors for
accelerated disease progression will allow identification of patients at highest risk for visual function loss.
Moreover, our hypothesis on disease-stage specific risk-factors may guide selection of therapeutic targets that
are particularly susceptible in early atrophic AMD. Tailoring therapeutics to specific phenotypes and disease
stages may be key to prevent irreversible vision loss and the associated reduced quality of life in patients with
AMD.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10875371
- **Project number:** 5R01EY034965-02
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **Principal Investigator:** Monika Fleckenstein
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $385,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-07-01 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10875371

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10875371, Progression of Early Atrophic Lesions in Age-related Macular degeneration (5R01EY034965-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-30 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10875371. Licensed CC0.

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