Needle-free breakthrough in treatment of AMD

Australian company Seagull Technology has developed a non-invasive drug delivery device that reduces the risks associated with the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The technology uses a special gel and ultrasound in a handheld device to send drugs through the outer layers of the eye and into the damaged retina. It is painless, quick and can be done safely in the doctors' consulting rooms rather than in a hospital.

Currently AMD treatment can require needle injections of drugs into the back of the eye which may cause patient fear, discomfort and carries a risk of further eye damage through complications associated with the injection rather than the drugs themselves.

Because of a worldwide ageing population, AMD is one of the fastest growing forms of blindness and the potential market for the device is huge, according to company executive director Dr Shanny Dyer. Other retinal damage caused by diabetes-related eye disease can also benefit from the device and available treatments.