IL-18 component offers hope for Macular Degeneration

The online journal, Science of Translational Medicine, details the breakthrough discovery of a component of the immune system known as IL-18 that may hold the key to treating macular degeneration. Researchers at Trinity College in Dublin discovered that IL-18 acts as a "guardian of eyesight" by suppressing the production of damaging blood vessels behind the retina. These abnormal blood vessels cause almost immediate central vision loss. Current therapies for wet macular degeneration involve invasive injections that carry potential risks such as infection. IL-18 can be administered in a non-invasive manner and directly hinders VEGF production and has the potential to be just as effective as the intravitreal injections.*