Data Use Application 006

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the UK, Europe, North America, and many other regions around the world. In the UK alone, more than 200 people develop the blinding forms of this condition every single day. As world populations get older, the prevalence of AMD is also rising rapidly. In a study from the British Journal of Ophthalmology, it was estimated that 25% of people aged 60 years and over have the early or intermediate forms of this disease. Since their approval in 2007, the introduction of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatments, which block the bleeding and leakage of retinal fluid in patients with the “wet” form of AMD, have greatly reduced the occurrence of blindness from this condition. However, even when blindness is prevented, there is still a significant burden on patients as they typically require monthly or bimonthly injections for the remainder of their lives. There is also no treatment for the “dry” form of AMD. In this project, Roche will use advanced statistical modelling, with the Moorfields AMD Dataset through INSIGHT, to predict long-term progression and associated treatment burden for patients with AMD. Roche will use these models to develop new approaches to optimise the care of patients with this condition, ensuring they receive the right treatment plans at the right time - a step towards personalised care for patients with this condition.