Washington University researcher receives $300,000 grant to study AMD

(Image credit: AdobeStock/Prostock-studio)

A Washington University researcher has received a $300,000 Research to Prevent Blindness /American Macular Degeneration Foundation Catalyst Award for innovative research approaches in studying age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Rajendra Apte, MD, PhD, is the Paul A. Cibis Distinguished Professor and vice chair for innovation and translation in the John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

According to a University of Washington news release, the grant will support Apte’s research into understanding the molecular players involved in AMD, an eye disease that causes vision loss and affects millions of people 60 years and older. By understanding this condition, Apte’s goal is to pave the way for innovative therapies to improve the quality of life for individuals with AMD.¹

The university noted the RPB/AMDF Catalyst Award is intended to support novel and groundbreaking research that aims to unravel the complexities of AMD.

Moreover, Apte’s work will contribute to the collective effort to find treatment options for this increasingly common and debilitating condition.

The Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) organization, established in 1960, has been a pioneering force in eye research, channeling over $413 million into groundbreaking studies. RPB has played a pivotal role in virtually every major breakthrough in vision research over the past six decades.

Reference:

1. Katarina. Catalyst Award for Innovative Research Approaches for AMD. Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences. Published December 13, 2023. Accessed February 17, 2024. https://ophthalmology.wustl.edu/catalyst-award/?&_ga=2.159266362.1830728048.1708179119-945025600.1707935603#:~:text=The%20RPB%2FAMDF%20Catalyst%20Award