Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects 19.8 million Americans aged 40 and older, with dry AMD accounting for 85% to 90% of cases. InMed Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: INM) has developed INM-089, a cannabinoid analog, showing potential in treating dry AMD by providing neuroprotection to nerve cells in the eyes, a critical need in combating this incurable disease.
Recent studies by InMed have demonstrated INM-089's ability to protect photoreceptors, enhance retinal pigment epithelium integrity, and improve retinal function, marking a significant advancement in AMD treatment options. The company's focus on dry AMD is timely, as the condition's prevalence is expected to rise globally, with Geographic Atrophy, an advanced form of dry AMD, projected to affect 18.5 million people by 2040.
Dr. Eric Hsu, SVP of preclinical research and development at InMed, highlighted the limited efficacy and side effects of current treatments, underscoring the importance of INM-089's development. InMed is progressing towards commercialization, engaging a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization for scale-up manufacturing and conducting further preclinical studies to understand INM-089's mechanism of action fully.
The global aging population underscores the urgency for effective AMD treatments. InMed's INM-089 represents a hopeful avenue for millions suffering from dry AMD, offering the potential to slow disease progression and improve quality of life. With ongoing research and development, InMed is at the forefront of addressing a critical gap in ocular disease treatment.
