Method of treating macular degeneration using botulinum toxin-based pharmaceuticals

Abstract

Formulations and methods of treatment are disclosed for prevention and/or treatment of visual loss from age-related macular degeneration. The disclosed formulations include botulinum neurotoxin (e.g., botulinum neurotoxin or a fragment thereof, either in pure form or with one or more peptide fragments and/or neurotoxin associated proteins. In some embodiments, the disclosed formulations are applied to the para orbital or periorbital region of a patient to delay or stop the progression of dry macular degeneration. The methods described herein do not involve a direct injection into the eye or subconjunctival region, thus significantly easing both comfort and administration related complications and further preserving barrier functions of retinal layers while also delaying or ceasing the degenerative process to wet conversion.