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MingMed Biotechnology's Breakthrough in Eye Care: QA102 Trial Results

MingMed Biotechnology Co., Ltd., an innovative biomedical company, has recently unveiled what could be a significant advancement in the treatment of intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). During the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2026, held in Denver, Colorado, the company presented positive results from its phase II clinical trial for QA102, a pioneering oral therapy designed to slow the progression of this prevalent eye disease.

AMD is a chronic and progressive retinal condition characterized by large drusen and pigmentary changes, which significantly increase the risk of advancing to severe vision loss. This condition is notably one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness among older adults, currently affecting nearly 7% of individuals over the age of 65 in the United States. As the aging population continues to grow, the prevalence of AMD is expected to rise further, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatments.

The QA102-CS201 study was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 150 participants diagnosed with intermediate atrophic AMD. In this trial, subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 200 mg or 400 mg of QA102, or a placebo, administered twice daily for up to 15 months. Notably, preliminary results revealed that after 12 months of treatment, the average volume of drusen in the cohort treated with the 400 mg dose of QA102 showed a remarkable reduction of 59.2% compared to the placebo group. While the primary efficacy endpoint did not reach statistical significance, secondary outcomes were promising, indicating a notable reduced rate of drusen growth by 118.2% (p=0.017), and a decrease in the growth rate of geographic atrophy by 42.7% when comparing the 400 mg group to the placebo (p=0.026).

These findings have sparked hope among experts and patients alike, as explained by Dr. Scott Whitcup, a renowned ophthalmic drug development specialist, who emphasized the significant unmet medical needs in treating intermediate AMD: "This stage of the disease is the most common yet remains without therapies aimed at slowing or preventing its progression. The phase II data for QA102 is a promising light for millions grappling with AMD." Dr. Sunil Patel, the lead investigator of the study, echoed these sentiments, expressing optimism about the implications of the data for those living with intermediate or advanced forms of AMD.

Fred Ouyang, Ph.D., the Chief Technology Officer of MingMed Biotechnology, stated, "We are thrilled to share these compelling phase II data with the global ophthalmology community at ARVO. QA102 represents a pioneering oral therapy for atrophic AMD and is the first candidate to show potential efficacy in treating intermediate dry AMD. We look forward to advancing QA102 into the next phase of clinical development."

MingMed Biotechnology is committed to developing innovative ophthalmic products, and its subsidiary, Smilebiotek Zhuhai Limited, plays a crucial role in this mission. The company’s product pipeline for age-related macular degeneration includes two notable candidates: QA102, a new chemical entity (NCE), and QA108, a traditional Chinese medicine. With the promising results of QA102, MingMed Biotechnology appears poised to make significant strides in the field of eye health, potentially enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals affected by AMD.

In conclusion, the unveiling of the phase II trial data for QA102 is a noteworthy milestone in the ongoing fight against age-related macular degeneration. As research continues and further studies are conducted, there is hope that this innovative therapy might soon be a viable option for patients, translating into real-world benefits for those impacted by this challenging condition.