Active and Upcoming Studies

Current Clinical Research Studies

Wagner Kapoor Institute participates in advanced clinical research focused on eye disease. These studies give eligible patients access to emerging therapies while helping advance the future of eye care.

Below is a summary of our currently enrolling and active studies.

Currently Enrolling Studies:

Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD)

Study: Belvedere

Who May Qualify:

- Age 50 or older

- Diagnosed with wet AMD within the past 18 months

- Vision of 20/200 or better

- Have received at least two prior anti-VEGF injections

About the Study:

This study uses a Port Delivery System (PDS)—a small implant placed in the eye that continuously delivers Lucentis® over time. The PDS has already been FDA-approved and is commercially available.

This research focuses on monitoring the health of the cornea in patients receiving treatment through the implant.

Active Studies (Not Currently Enrolling)

Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD)

Study: Atmosphere

This gene therapy study is designed as a one-time injection with the goal of helping the eye produce its own ongoing supply of anti-VEGF medication.

The study drug (RGX-314) delivers a gene that instructs retinal cells to create a protein that blocks VEGF—the substance responsible for fluid leakage in wet AMD. This approach works similarly to commonly used injections such as Eylea®, Lucentis®, and Vabysmo®, but may reduce the need for frequent injections.

The study evaluates different dose strengths and compares vision outcomes to standard Lucentis treatment.

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

Study: Elevatum

This study examines patients with DME who are being treated with Vabysmo®, an FDA-approved medication. Researchers are analyzing vision outcomes, imaging results, eye chemistry, and genetics to better understand how patients respond to this treatment compared to more traditional therapies like Eylea®.

Vabysmo is unique because it blocks two disease pathways (VEGF and Ang-2), both of which play a role in diabetic eye disease.

Study: Pregonda

This investigational study drug is designed to block both inflammation (IL-6) and VEGF, two contributors to fluid buildup and retinal damage in DME.

Researchers are evaluating two different dose levels to understand safety, effectiveness, and how the treatment may impact the disease. Most current medications target only one pathway—this combination approach is still being studied.

Geographic Atrophy secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration (dry AMD)

Study: EnGAge

This is a 5-year follow-up study for patients who previously received a single dose of study medication in the parent study (Parasol).

The goal is to evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of the treatment, which was designed to slow progression of macular degeneration affecting central vision.

Dry Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration (iAMD)

Study: Honu

This is an observational study focused on understanding how intermediate AMD progresses over time.

No study medication is given. Participants may continue taking AREDS or AREDS2 vitamins as recommended by their doctor. The information gathered helps improve early detection and future treatment strategies.

Upcoming Studies

Interested in Learning More?

Participation is always voluntary, and not every patient will qualify. Our research team is happy to answer questions and help determine whether a study may be right for you.

Contact our Clinical Research Team and request more information or fill out the Contact Us form to have someone reach out to you:

Call: 757-271-3346

Advancing vision care—together.