InMed Pharmaceuticals Advances Cannabinoid-Based Treatment for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects 19.8 million Americans aged 40 and older, with dry AMD accounting for 85% to 90% of cases. InMed Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: INM) has developed INM-089, a cannabinoid analog aimed at treating AMD by protecting nerve cells in the eyes, potentially slowing or reversing damage. Preclinical studies have shown INM-089's ability to improve photoreceptor function and preserve retinal integrity, marking a significant advancement in addressing the neuroprotective needs of AMD patients.

The global prevalence of AMD, particularly dry AMD and its advanced form, Geographic Atrophy (GA), is expected to rise, with projections of 18.5 million cases by 2040. InMed's recent studies highlight INM-089's potential effectiveness in treating dry AMD, including reducing extracellular autofluorescent deposits, a key marker of the disease. This positions INM-089 as a promising candidate for filling the current treatment gap in AMD care.

InMed has engaged a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) to scale up the manufacturing process of INM-089, with ongoing preclinical activities aimed at further understanding its mechanism of action. The company's efforts represent a critical step toward commercializing a treatment that could significantly impact the lives of millions suffering from AMD, a disease with no current cure and limited treatment options.