2025 Research Grant Recipient

Towards a personalised approach to predicting and preventing progression of age-related macular degeneration 

Erica Fletcher is a Professor of the Department of Anatomy and Physiology at the University of Melbourne.  She has over 20 years’ experience researching retinal diseases, especially age-related macular degeneration, and has published over 150 articles on this topic. Professor Fletcher’s research has been recognised with considerable research funding, and national and international awards. Professor Fletcher contributes to research leadership within the faculty and school and is passionate about mentoring young researchers.  

Professor Fletcher and her team, supported by MDFA funding, will investigate reticular pseudodrusen, a type of waste material that deposits on the macula, that is associated with increased risk of late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD).   

The researchers plan to create a special type of cell called microglia, a type of immune cell in the retina, from blood samples of people with AMD – both with and without RPD, as well as from people without AMD, to compare how effectively the microglia remove waste from the macula.   

The team will also study approximately 3000 different compounds to identify those that improve waste removal in microglia, potentially reversing the harmful processes that contribute to AMD. The compounds that work best, could become new treatments in future. Professor Fletcher’s project could revolutionise the treatment of AMD.   

 

Published: 11 August, 2025