PulseSight Therapeutics to Present New Data on Iron Dysregulation and Ferroptosis in AMD at Euretina 2025
PulseSight Therapeutics announced that its Chief Scientific Officer, Thierry Bordet, PhD, will present new clinical and preclinical findings on the role of iron dysregulation and ferroptosis in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at the 25th Euretina Congress in Paris, September 4–7.
According to PulseSight, emerging evidence highlights iron overload as a key driver of AMD progression, contributing to oxidative stress, inflammation, and ferroptosis—a form of iron-dependent cell death now recognized as a major factor in retinal degeneration. Transferrin, a naturally occurring glycoprotein, plays a critical role in iron regulation by binding and transporting iron in a non-toxic form, thereby preventing harmful accumulation.
In collaboration with Inserm and Cochin Hospital (Paris), PulseSight analyzed one of the largest aqueous humor datasets from patients with dry AMD/GA compared to age-matched controls. The study confirmed:
Elevated iron levels in aqueous humor of AMD patients
Increased transferrin saturation, reinforcing iron imbalance as a hallmark of disease pathology
These findings provide clinical confirmation of iron dysregulation in AMD, supporting iron modulation as a therapeutic strategy in GA—an area that remains underexplored.
Dr. Bordet will also share topline data from a mechanistic study investigating transferrin’s role in preventing ferroptosis. Results demonstrate transferrin’s protective effect against iron-induced cell death, offering deeper biological rationale for therapeutic approaches targeting ferroptosis. The full study has been submitted for peer-reviewed publication.
Advancing PST-611: A First-in-Class Gene Therapy Candidate
PulseSight’s lead investigational therapy, PST-611, is a non-viral vectorized therapy encoding transferrin designed to restore iron balance and preserve retinal structure and function in dry AMD/GA. PST-611 entered a Phase 1 clinical trial (PST-611-CT1) earlier this year.
“Ferroptosis is now a well-recognized target in AMD pathology. At PulseSight, we’ve designed a translational strategy to restore iron homeostasis and prevent ferroptosis," said Dr. Bordet said. "With PST-611, we combine mechanistic relevance, long-lasting efficacy, and a de-risked delivery platform. We’re excited to advance this first-in-class therapy for patients with dry AMD/GA.”
Euretina 2025 Presentation Details
Abstract Number: RETINA25-1768
Session: Vectorized Transferrin as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration/Geographic Atrophy: Preclinical and Clinical
Date & Time: September 5, 13:06–13:12