amdARRAY: advancing age-related macular degeneration research through global collaboration
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Vision loss caused by age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a growing global challenge. Discover how the amdARRAY, a new collaboration network between Roche and premier academic institutions, is uniting leading scientists to redefine retinal research and accelerate the delivery of next-generation therapies.
The AMD Accelerate Retinal Research Alliance (amdARRAY) is a research collaboration network that unites leading experts from across the globe committed to advancing and accelerating discovery in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to transform treatment and preserve sight for patients.
AMD remains a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in older adults 1,3, and its complex pathology demands a new level of collaborative investigation. Currently, the mechanisms behind the disease and patient responses to treatment present significant, persistent challenges. By bringing together the world’s top scientists from both academic and industry settings, we are creating an open environment designed to overcome critical research barriers and accelerate the development of next-generation therapies.
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We believe that by leveraging the value created through the amdARRAY, we can accelerate our mission to improve patients' lives and make significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology
A vanguard of expertise and strategic focus
The amdARRAY establishes a deep research partnership between Roche and premier academic institutions.
To ensure we are focusing on the most impactful research, these institutions pursue leading edge, true state-of-the-art retinal science. They pioneer AMD research and contribute to a global community effort to shape the future of the field.
The foundation of the amdARRAY is a robust, data-driven scientific roadmap. This blueprint comprises high-impact research questions and topics, categorized under broader scientific themes essential to understanding and treating AMD.
By connecting the world’s top scientists and fostering true collaboration, the AMD ARRAY is advancing discovery in Age-related Macular Degeneration to bring new therapies to fruition faster and improve patients' lives.
Accelerating discovery for future therapies
By combining the strengths of our academic institutions, industry partners and Roche’s drug development expertise, we are able to accomplish more than can be achieved independently. Through the sharing of ideas, data, cutting-edge technologies, and deep expertise, the amdARRAY is designed to accelerate foundational discovery, ultimately laying the groundwork for future therapies against AMD.
Our shared vision is to move rapidly toward personalised treatment options that can halt the progression of vision loss and improve the quality of life for millions of patients worldwide.
We have sight-saving injections for AMD and drug delivery systems to decrease the treatment burden. The amdARRAY’s job is to ask What’s next? And how fast can we get there to protect and preserve vision for AMD patients?
Key Data
Vision is central to the human experience and how we engage with the world around us. However, an estimated 2.2 billion people globally are living with vision impairment 4.
Among older people, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss, profoundly affecting daily life 1.
AMD primarily impacts central vision, making essential tasks – like reading, driving, and even recognising loved ones – much more challenging 1
The projected number of people with age-related macular degeneration in 2020 is 196 million 5.
The number of people worldwide living with AMD is expected to reach 288 million by 2040 5,6.
In 2020 in Europe alone, the prevalence of early or intermediate AMD was 25.3% and any late AMD was 2.4% in the population aged 60 years and older 7.
Approximately 10% to 15% of patients with AMD develop neovascular disease 8.
nAMD affects around 20 million people worldwide, making it the leading cause of vision loss in those over 60 1, 5, 9.
Neovascular AMD (nAMD), or “wet” AMD, is an advanced form of the disease that causes almost 90% of blindness linked to AMD 10, 11.
References
Facts & Figures | Macular Degeneration | BrightFocus Foundation. [Internet; cited 2025 Nov 27]. Available from: https://www.brightfocus.org/macular/facts-figures/.
Wong WL, et al. Lancet Glob Health. 2014;2(2):e106-e116.
Connolly E, et al. Br J Ophthalmol. 2018;102(12):1691-1695.
World Health Organization. World report on vision. [Internet; cited 2025 Mar]. Available from: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/documents/publications/world-vision-report-accessible.pdf?sfvrsn=223f9bf7_2.
Wong, W. L. et al. Global prevalence of age-related macular degeneration and disease burden projection for 2020 and 2040: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Glob. Heal. 2, e106–e116 (2014).
Lim, J. I. et al. Systematic review of clinical practice guidelines for the management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Eye 39, 2223–2230 (2025).
Li, J. Q. et al. Prevalence and incidence of age-related macular degeneration in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br. J. Ophthalmol. 104, 1077–1084 (2020).
Gehrs, K. M., Anderson, D. H., Johnson, L. V. & Hageman, G. S. Age‐related macular degeneration—emerging pathogenetic and therapeutic concepts. Ann. Med. 38, 450–471 (2006).
Connolly E, Rhatigan M, O’Halloran AM, et al. Prevalence of age-related macular degeneration-associated genetic risk factors and 4-year progression data in the Irish population. Br J Ophthalmol. 2018;102(12):1691-1695. doi:10.1136/bjophthalmol-2017-311673.
Pugazhendhi A, Hubbell M, Jairam P, Ambati B. Neovascular macular degeneration: A review of etiology, risk factors, and recent advances in research and therapy. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(3):1170. doi:10.3390/ijms22031170.
Vemulakonda GA, Bailey ST, Kim SJ, et al. Age-related macular degeneration Preferred Practice Pattern®. Ophthalmology. 2025;132(4):P1-P74. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2024.12.018.
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