03 Mar, 2026
QEI is the only clinical trial site in Queensland for a global study of a treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The trial is assessing the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of a drug delivered through an ocular implant.
The Port Delivery System (PDS) is a small, refillable device designed for permanent implantation in the eye. It allows for continuous diffusion of drugs into the vitreous cavity as an alternative to regular intravitreal injections.
When introduced more than a decade ago, intravitreal injections dramatically changed the treatment of neovascular diseases such as neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, two of the leading causes of blindness in adults over age 40.
However, the need for many regular visits can be costly and emotionally draining for patients and can increase the risk for a complication. This alternative drug delivery system, if supported by the trial findings and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, could be a welcome development for patients with neovascular diseases.
For more information about this trial and QEI’s clinical trials program visit the QEI Clinical Trials page here.