A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study investigated the oral telomerase activator TA-65® in people with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The focus was on whether macular function changed over a period of twelve months compared to placebo. Tandfonline
The study included 38 participants and examined macular function using microperimetry. Due to the pilot nature and the small number of participants, the results should be interpreted with caution.
How was the study designed?
The 38 participants with early age-related macular degeneration were randomly assigned to either a TA-65® group or a placebo group. The trial was double-blind and lasted twelve months.
Participants in the TA-65® group received 8 mg of TA-65® twice daily. Macular function was assessed using microperimetry at the start of the study as well as after six and twelve months.
What results were observed?
Compared to the placebo group, the average macular threshold sensitivity in the TA-65® group improved by 0.97 dB. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.02).
At the same time, the proportion of reduced threshold values decreased by 8.2% compared to placebo (p = 0.04). The differences were observed after six months and persisted after twelve months. PubMed
Due to the small number of participants, however, these are preliminary results from a pilot study. It cannot be inferred from this that TA-65® treats age-related macular degeneration in general or prevents its progression.
How should the results be interpreted?
The pilot study provides initial clinical evidence that certain measurements of macular function might change under TA-65®.
However, due to the small sample size of 38 people and the exploratory study design, the results are not sufficient to prove therapeutic efficacy in age-related macular degeneration. Larger, independent, and longer-term studies would be required to confirm the findings.
Further information on the clinical data and safety of TA-65® can be found in our article „TA-65®: Current studies on telomere length and safety“.
Original publication
The complete study and further details on methodology and results can be found in the original publication.
