Ophthalmology

Every day of lost vision is one too many

Close-up of a patient's blue eye receiving vision care, highlighting Astellas’ dedication in the ophthalmology space.

Addressing the global burden of vision loss

We have made a long-term commitment to people with vision loss: to help build a brighter future in which eye diseases that cause blindness are treatable, and ultimately preventable.

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Vision impairment or blindness affects approximately 1.1 billion people worldwide and is expected to rise rapidly as our population grows and ages.1

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Vision impairment can affect people of all ages; however, most people with vision impairment and blindness are over the age of 50 years. It can severely impact quality of life for those affected; adults with vision impairment can experience lower rates of employment and higher rates of depression and anxiety.2

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Vision impairment poses an enormous global financial burden, with the annual global cost of productivity lost estimated to be US$ 411 billion.2

A gloved hand picks up a test tube with chemicals in a high-tech Astellas lab focused on advancing ophthalmology.

An industry-leading pipeline

We have built an industry-leading ophthalmology pipeline with gene therapies, cell therapies and other modalities in development across eye diseases where there are limited or no treatment options, including geographic atrophy (GA), Stargardt disease, retinitis pigmentosa, and glaucoma.

Working in partnership for vision health

At Astellas, we believe in the power of collaboration. We work closely with patient organizations, academia, industry leaders, and healthcare providers to ensure that patients have the best possible chance to benefit from next-generation therapies.

A woman undergoing an eye exam at a doctor's office, focusing on her vision and eye health.

Guided by patient insights

Our work with global, regional and local patient organizations keeps our efforts focused on the needs of those we serve. Their insights have been invaluable in shaping our real world evidence studies and educational programs, making them more accessible for patients with low vision.

An Astellas employee lectures healthcare professionals on advancements in ophthalmology technology and medicines for patient care.

Innovative collaborations

We are proud to collaborate with top academic institutions to investigate and develop potential new therapies, including the University of Pittsburgh on an investigational treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration using adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy, and Harvard Medical School on a research collaboration for gene therapy targeting retinitis pigmentosa.

Astellas Institute for Regenerative Medicine in Westborough, MA, develops advanced ophthalmology therapies using cell and gene therapy.

Astellas Institute for Regenerative Medicine (AIRM)

Located in Westborough, Massachusetts, AIRM serves as Astellas’ global hub for regenerative medicine. Founded in 2016 following the acquisition of Ocata Therapeutics, AIRM is at the forefront of developing advanced investigational therapies in ophthalmology, utilizing cell therapy and gene therapy approaches to potentially address eye disease and vision loss.3

Keep exploring

A female Astellas researcher examines a microscope in a lab, advancing ophthalmology therapies through innovative R&D for unmet medical needs.

Research and development 

Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more about our R&D approach.

A happy family enjoys lunch with an Astellas patient, reflecting our commitment to patient-centric care and innovative health solutions.

Patient centricity

We support the development of innovative health solutions through a deep understanding of the patient experience, real-world evidence, medical needs and behavioral drivers of care. Learn more about how we are mobilizing teams across Astellas to improve patient outcomes.

Three women healthcare professionals walking down the hallway of a hospital, discussing patient care, and collaborating to enhance patient outcomes.

Healthcare professionals

We invite healthcare professionals to visit our HCP portal, where you will find valuable information and resources that reflect our commitment to collaboration and addressing unmet medical needs.

1Trends in prevalence of blindness and distance and near vision impairment over 30 years: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study. Bourne, Rupert et al. The Lancet Global Health, Volume 9, Issue 2, e130 - e143. Accessed via the IAPB Vision Atlas https://www.iapb.org/learn/vision-atlas.  Last accessed September 2024.

 

2World Health Organisation. Blindness and Vision Impairment.  Available at:https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment. Last accessed September 2024

 

3Astellas. Astellas to acquire Ocata Therapeutics. 2015. Available at https://newsroom.astellas.us/2015-11-09-Astellas-to-Acquire-Ocata-Therapeutics. Last accessed November 2020.