Expanding Optogenetics to Geographic Atrophy - Report - MDSpire

Expanding Optogenetics to Geographic Atrophy

Jordi Monés, MD, PhD, discusses the rationale for evaluating MCO-010 (sonpiretigene isteparvovec) in GA following encouraging findings in retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease.

  • By

  • Jordi Monés, MD, PhD

  • July 15, 2026

  • 2 min

Share

Clinical Report: Expanding Optogenetics to Geographic Atrophy

Background

Geographic atrophy (GA) is a significant cause of irreversible vision loss associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Current treatment options for GA are limited, making the exploration of innovative therapies like optogenetics crucial.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Sonpiretigene isteparvovec (MCO-010) has shown positive results in improving visual acuity in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.
  • Improvements in vision have also been observed in Stargardt disease, particularly in patients with the macular phenotype.
  • The safety profile of MCO-010 is reported to be good in both retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease patients.
  • A new model of GA in nonhuman primates demonstrated that MCO-010 could transfect 70% of the inner retinal layers.
  • Clinical trials for GA using optogenetics are expected to commence soon.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should stay informed about the upcoming clinical trials.

Conclusion

Continued research and clinical trials will be essential to determine the efficacy and safety of this approach.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Jordi Monés, MD, PhD, American Society of Retina Specialists, 2026 -- Expanding Optogenetics to Geographic Atrophy
  2. Retinal Physician, 2026 -- Dual-Pathway Gene Therapy for Geographic Atrophy
  3. The Ophthalmologist, 2026 -- The Optimism of Optogenetics for Vision Restoration
  4. Retinal Physician, 2026 -- The Therapeutic Pipeline for Geographic Atrophy
  5. Retinal Physician — Update on Optogenetics for Advanced Retinal Degenerations Recommendations
  6. Age-Related Macular Degeneration Preferred Practice Pattern® - Ophthalmology
  7. Standardizing Measurement of Complete Retinal Pigment Epithelial and Outer Retinal Atrophy: Classification of Atrophy Meeting Report 8 - Ophthalmology Retina
  8. Geographic atrophy in age-related macular degeneration: phenotypic characterisation for clinical trial consideration
  9. Avacincaptad Pegol for Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Two-Year Efficacy and Safety Results from the GATHER2 Phase 3 Trial - PubMed
  10. Real-World Experience With Intravitreal Pegcetacoplan for the Treatment of Geographic Atrophy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration - ScienceDirect
  11. Ocular Adverse Events Associated with Pegcetacoplan and Avacincaptad Pegol for Geographic Atrophy: A Population-Based Pharmacovigilance Study - ScienceDirect
  12. Efficacy of Intravitreal Pegcetacoplan vs Avacincaptad Pegol in Patients With Geographic Atrophy - PubMed
  13. Nanoscope Therapeutics Announces Publication of STARLIGHT Phase 2 Study Evaluating MCO-010 Gene-Agnostic Therapy in Patients with Stargardt Disease - Nanoscope Therapeutics
  14. Nanoscope Therapeutics to Present at 2026 American Society of Retina Specialists Annual Scientific Meeting
  15. ESCRS:MCO-010 Optogenetic Therapy for Vision Restoration
  16. Age-related macular degeneration: suitability of optogenetic therapy for geographic atrophy - PMC

Original Source(s)

Expanding Optogenetics to Geographic Atrophy

  • by Jordi Monés, MD, PhD

  • July 15, 2026

Related Content

A Novel Technique for Uveitis

Dr. David Chin Yee describes the benefits of delivering XIPERE directly into the suprachoroidal space

Femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK in the SMILE era: a mini review of patient-centered procedure selection

Stuart Therapeutics Spotlights Topical RP Program

At OIS Retina, Eric Schlumpf discussed the company’s collagen mimetic peptide platform for retinitis pigmentosa, now in preclinical development.