Marc Buchet
20 oct. 2025
Subretinal Photovoltaic Implant Restores Meaningful Central Vision in Geographic Atrophy due to AMD
A landmark study published in the The New England Journal of Medicine (DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa2501396) reports promising results for patients with advanced geographic atrophy from Age‑related Macular Degeneration (GA-AMD).
I’m delighted to share a major advancement published in the NEJM — the first device-based therapy to restore meaningful central vision in patients with geographic atrophy (GA) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
What makes this groundbreaking:
• A tiny 2 × 2 mm sub-retinal photovoltaic implant (the PRIMA System) replaces lost photoreceptors and is paired with AR eyewear + image-processing.
In a 38-patient study, ~80 % achieved a measurable gain in vision (≥10 letters), ~84 % regained ability to read letters/words. Peripheral vision unaffected.
• Safety profile favourable: serious adverse events were expected, mostly resolved, and the benefit–risk balance is compelling
Study design and intervention
In a multicentre clinical trial enrolling 38 participants across 17 centres in five European countries, patients with GA and severe central vision loss received the PRIMA System — a wireless sub-retinal photovoltaic implant system paired with augmented-reality (AR) glasses and a portable processing unit. The implant is only 2 mm × 2 mm in size, ~30 µm thick, containing hundreds of micro-electrodes. It captures near-infrared light projected from the AR glasses and stimulates residual inner retinal circuitry.
Results
After 12 months of follow-up, the primary efficacy endpoint (an improvement of ≥0.2 logMAR in visual acuity) was achieved in ~81 % of completers. Patients gained at least 10 extra letters on vision charts compared with their natural vision. Approximately 78 % achieved a ≥0.3 logMAR improvement (≥15 letters). In addition, ~84 % of participants reported the ability to read letters, numbers or words in their home environments with the system. Importantly, peripheral vision was preserved.
Implications for clinical practice & industry
These results mark a first in restoring central vision in GA-AMD patients through a neuro-prosthetic device, potentially redefining the therapeutic landscape for untreatable retinal degeneration. For the pharmaceutical and med-tech industry, this breakthrough underscores the growing convergence of implantable hardware, AI-driven image processing and ophthalmic care. The ability to restore functional reading vision opens avenues for both new devices and combination strategies (e.g., with cell therapy or gene therapy).
Conclusion
The PRIMA System’s successful demonstration of restoring central vision in a majority of GA-AMD patients represents a pivotal milestone. While long-term data and real-world deployment remain to be evaluated, this study provides hope for patients and momentum for innovation in ophthalmology, device development and retinal therapeutics.
Why this matters for the pharma/med-tech industry:
This is a strong signal that hardware + imaging + AI are viable routes in retinal medicine, complementing gene therapy, cell therapy and small molecules. For manufacturers, payers and vision-care stakeholders alike, the economics and patient impact are compelling.
Takeaways for industry leaders:
• Early planning for regulatory strategy, reimbursement models and surgical delivery is key.
• Partnerships between implant manufacturers, vision-care centres and pharma may accelerate market access.
• For pharmaceutical companies: consider how future drug/device combinations may address complex retinal degeneration.