Complement system and age-related macular degeneration: drugs and challenges

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is directly attributable to vision loss, posing significant pressure on public health. AMD is recognized to be a multi-factorial disease and among them, complement system is under heated discussion in recent years. In this review, we start with an overview of complement pathways involved in AMD and their therapies correspondingly. Finally, we discuss the development of the therapeutics existed now. Also, we enclose a list of drugs undergoing clinical trials.

Keywords:

• age-related macular degeneration
• inflammation
• complement system
• immunotherapy

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Key Program) (81730026, 81425006), Frontier Project of Shanghai Hospital Development Center (SHDC12016105), Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (17411953000, 16140900800, 0303N17001).

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.