Journal article
Proof of concept, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the effect of simvastatin on the course of age-related macular degeneration
RH Guymer, PN Baird, M Varsamidis, L Busija, PN Dimitrov, KZ Aung, GA Makeyeva, AJ Richardson, L Lim, LD Robman
Plos One | Published : 2013
Abstract
Background: HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors are ubiquitous in our community yet their potential role in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains to be determined. Methodology/Principal Findings: Objectives: To evaluate the effect of simvastatin on AMD progression and the effect modification by polymorphism in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and complement factor H (CFH ) genes. Design: A proof of concept double-masked randomized controlled study. Participants: 114 participants aged 53 to 91 years, with either bilateral intermediate AMD or unilateral non-advanced AMD (with advanced AMD in fellow eye), BCVA≥20/60 in at least one eye, and a normal lipid profile. Intervention: Simvastatin 40 mg/day ..
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Awarded by National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Acknowledgements
This work was supported by grants from the Ian Potter Foundation, John Reid Charitable Trust and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. Merck Sharp and Dohme supplied the active simvastatin and placebo medication. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) supported the study through a Centre for Clinical Research Excellence award to CERA(#529923), a Practitioner Fellowship (#529905) to RHG and a Senior Research Fellowship (#1028444) to PNB. LDR was supported by the Wagstaff Fellowship. CERA receives operational infrastructure from the Victorian Government. CERA is a recepient of the NHMRC award "Centre for Clinical Research Excellence" #529923. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.