Study of Photobiomodulation to Treat Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (LIGHTSITE II)

This study is a double-masked, sham-controlled, parallel design, prospective multi-site study for the use of PBM as a treatment for visual impairment in subjects with dry AMD. The target enrollment is 96 subjects in up to 10 centers in Europe, randomized at a 1:2 ratio into 2 groups: Sham Treatment (S-1) and PBM Treatment (T-2). Once 96 subjects have been enrolled in the study, if there are less than 144 eyes that qualify for the study, additional subjects will be enrolled until 144 eyes have been included in the study.

S-1 will receive 3 sham treatments per week over 3 to 5 weeks starting at Baseline and starting again at Months 4 and 8. T-2 will receive 3 PBM treatments per week over 3 to 5 weeks starting at Baseline and starting again at Months 4 and 8. Each treatment series will total 9 treatments. Neither the subject nor the study staff will know which treatment the subject has been assigned.

Subjects will receive standard visual outcome measurements including Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) BCVA, CSV-1000E contrast sensitivity (CS) and the Radner Reading Test prior to and following each treatment series as well as eye exams, fundus photographs, Heidelberg OCT and FAF imaging and optional Optos Ultra Wide Field (UWF) imaging of the retina at selected time intervals. Subjects will also complete the Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (VFQ-25) at selected time intervals.

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female at least 50 years of age at Screening visit
• Subjects with ETDRS BCVA letter score of between 50* and 75* (Snellen equivalent of 20/100 to 20/32). *If the subject meets this criterion at the Screening Visit but is outside the letter score by up to two letters at Baseline, the subject may be entered in the study.
• Subjects with a diagnosis of dry AMD as defined by the presence of drusen (regular or reticular pseudodrusen) and/or geographic atrophy (GA) visible on two of the following: color fundus images, OCT and/or Heidelberg FAF
• Able to communicate well with the Investigator and able to understand and comply with the requirements of the study
• Subject is informed of the nature of this study and has provided written informed consent in accordance with institutional, local and national regulatory guidelines

Exclusion criteria

• Current or history of neovascular maculopathy that includes any of the following:

• Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) defined as pathologic angiogenesis originating from the choroidal vasculature that extends through a defect in Bruch's membrane
• Serous and/or hemorrhagic detachment of the neurosensory retina or retinal pigment epithelial (RPE)
• Retinal hard exudates (a secondary phenomenon resulting from chronic intravascular leakage)
• Subretinal and sub-RPE fibrovascular proliferation
• Disciform scar (subretinal fibrosis)
• Presence of center involving GA within the central ETDRS 1 mm diameter at Screening
• Media opacities, including cataracts, which might interfere with visual acuity or imaging in the study eye(s). Subjects should not be entered if there is likelihood that they will require cataract surgery in the study eye in the next 24 months.
• Posterior capsule opacification, which might interfere with visual acuity or imaging in the study eye(s). Subjects should not be entered if there is likelihood that they will require surgery in the study eye in the next 24 months
• Invasive eye surgery (e.g. cataract, capsulotomy) on a qualifying eye within three 3 months prior to Screening
• Ocular disorder or disease that partially or completely obstructs the pupil (e.g. posterior synechia in uveitis)
• Visually significant disease in any ocular structure apart from dry AMD (e.g. diabetic macular edema, glaucoma (using >2 eye drop medications, uncontrolled IOP and/or central/paracentral visual field loss), glaucoma surgery, active uveitis, active vitreous disease, intraocular tumor, retinal vascular diseases)
• Has a serious medical illness that will prevent the subject from performing study activities (including cardiac, hepatic, renal, respiratory, endocrinologic, neurologic, or hematologic disease) or, in the judgement of the Investigator, is likely to require surgical intervention or hospitalization at any point during the study
• Presence of or history of malignancy within the past 5 years other than non-melanoma skin or squamous cell cancer or cervical carcinoma in-situ
• Is non-ambulatory
• Presence or history of known light sensitivity to yellow light, red light, or near infrared radiation (NIR), or if there is a history of light activated CNS disorders (e.g. epilepsy, migraine)
• Use of any photosensitizing agent (e.g. topicals, injectables) within 30 days of treatment without consulting subject's physician
• History of drug, alcohol or substance abuse within 3 months prior to Screening
• Has received an investigational drug or treatment with an investigational device within 3 months prior to Screening
• If on any anti-oxidant or vitamin Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) supplement for dry AMD, has not been stabilized for a minimum of 1 month prior to Screening. Subjects are considered to be stable if they are taking the AREDS supplements consistently as prescribed by their treating doctor.
• Has received Low Vision Rehab/Therapy within 30 days prior to Screening or intends to receive during the study
• In the opinion of the Investigator, is unlikely to comply with the study protocol