Bausch + Lomb Planned New Dry AMD Drug Development
The company has received FDA feedback on its path to studying an oral treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Diabetes
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Bausch + Lomb has met with the FDA to discuss clinical development plans for BL1243, an experimental oral drug for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The company aims to move toward early-stage safety and pharmacokinetic trials for this potential new treatment.
Why it matters
The development effort targets the need for new treatment approaches that allow for earlier intervention in dry AMD. This dialogue with regulators establishes the framework for testing the drug's safety in future human clinical trials.
The clinical program for BL1243 builds upon historical data from tonabersat, which was used in a previous study of 63 participants with diabetic macular edema at an 80 mg dose. The program leverages broader experience from 2,100 people to support initial safety and pharmacokinetic testing.
The players
Bausch + Lomb
A global eye health company that develops pharmaceuticals and medical devices for conditions like dry AMD and diabetic macular edema.
FDA
The United States government agency responsible for overseeing the safety and efficacy of medical products and clinical research.
The details
BL1243 is being developed as an oral medication intended to address dry AMD, a condition where central vision is often lost as the macula thins. The proposed studies will assess how the drug is processed by the body and its overall safety profile. This clinical program is designed to use findings from the initial safety studies to support progression into a Phase 2 trial.
Timeline
March 2026: Study on tonabersat published in Ophthalmology Science.
October 6, 2026: Bausch + Lomb announced FDA meeting progress.
2027: Bausch + Lomb plans to initiate its clinical program.
Health Landscape
The development of dry AMD therapies currently focuses on finding new ways to intervene before significant vision loss occurs. This proposal sits within the broader evolution of ophthalmic research, moving from symptom management toward early-stage clinical evaluation of novel oral agents.
Readers living with dry AMD should be aware that this development is in the planning phase and is not yet available for patient use. Any questions regarding current treatment options or eligibility for future research studies are best addressed in a conversation with an ophthalmologist.
The takeaway
This news highlights early-stage progress in the quest for new dry AMD treatment options. It serves as a reminder to track updates from your primary eye care provider regarding emerging clinical research for macular health.
What happens next
Bausch + Lomb intends to initiate its clinical program for the drug in 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research and standard care options in the Diabetes section.
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Should medical companies prioritize developing oral medications over injectable treatments for chronic eye conditions?
