Gene therapy for age-related macular degeneration: new prospects for vision restoration

Gene therapy is a promising approach for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), aimed at overcoming the limitations of conventional anti-VEGF and anti-complement therapies. This review examines modern gene therapy strategies based on the use of adeno-associated viral vectors to deliver genes encoding proteins that inhibit angiogenesis and inflammation. Key gene therapy candidates for wet and dry AMD are discussed, including ixoberogene soroparvovec, ABBV-RGX-314, 4D-150, JNJ-1887, and others, along with their clinical trials. The advantages of gene therapy, such as reduced injection frequency and long-term efficacy, are highlighted, while challenges related to safety, immune response, delivery methods, and treatment accessibility are analyzed. The article provides a comprehensive overview of current advances and future prospects in gene therapy for AMD.