U of A startup launches supplement based on research into macular degeneration

Aging Health Sciences, a startup supported by various programs at the University of Arizona’s commercialization office Tech Launch Arizona (TLA), is bringing to market a new dietary supplement aimed at supporting vision health in older adults by addressing age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, the leading cause of vision loss in seniors. 

 

Left to right: Taylor Schreiber, Nicole Congrove, Parichehr Ghahari, Tripp Shannon, Brian McKay, Dr. Robert Snyder.
Paul Tumarkin/Tech Launch Arizona

The supplement the company offers, called MaculaPM^TM, is the result of nearly three decades of research led by Brian McKay, PhD, a professor of ophthalmology and physiology at the College of Medicine – Tucson, and Dr. Robert Snyder, former chair of ophthalmology. Their work uncovered the protective potential of L-dopa, a compound long used to treat Parkinson’s disease, and melatonin, both of which have shown promising effects on visual health in past clinical and population studies. 

“When we looked at national health data, we found that people already taking L-dopa were significantly less likely to develop macular degeneration, or developed it much later,” McKay said. “That pointed to a completely different approach to the disease; one that could potentially delay its onset instead of just reacting after vision loss begins.”

Through their collaboration with Tech Launch Arizona, the scientists connected to and eventually partnered with experienced business leader and investor Tripp Shannon, who now serves as CEO of Aging Health Sciences. Together, they chose to pursue a supplement rather than a prescription drug, with the goal of making it available faster and more affordably. 

“This is a mission-driven product,” said Shannon. “We’re trying to help people stay independent and connected to the world around them by preserving their vision for as long as possible.”

Unlike current AMD treatments, which often involve monthly injections into the eye and can cost thousands of dollars per year, MaculaPM is a nonprescription supplement formulated to be taken before bed.

“Our initial formulation is designed for nighttime use,” McKay said. “We’ve seen research suggesting that melatonin itself has a protective effect. Used together with L-dopa, we believe the impact could be even stronger.”

While not a treatment or cure, the goal is to offer a proactive option for those looking to maintain vision health as they age. 

“We’ve seen what happens when people lose their sight,” said Dr. Snyder. “They lose their ability to read, to recognize loved ones, to live independently. If this helps delay that, even by a few years, it makes a real difference.”

The original research that led to innovation was funded by the National Institutes of Health, BrightFocus Foundation and Lions Clubs International. 

With help from Tech Launch Arizona, the team licensed the university-owned intellectual property for the innovation and built out the business strategy, branding and manufacturing plan for Aging Health Sciences. Shannon and his team are now preparing for the product’s commercial debut. 

The first milestone was to manufacture 5,000 units, and now the company is moving on to sales. 

“We’re keeping it simple,” Shannon said. “Get it into people’s hands. See what we learn. Build from there.”

As of this month, MaculaPM will be available for purchase through the company’s website and select healthcare providers. The product will ship directly to consumers across the U.S. International patents are also in place for future expansion into markets including Canada, Europe and Australia.

For the team, the launch is more than a scientific milestone, it is personal. 

“This is the first time our work will directly reach the people we’ve been trying to help all along,” Dr. Snyder said. “And for a researcher, there’s no better feeling than that.”

Aging Health Sciences is one of more than 150 startups launched through Tech Launch Arizona, part of the university’s mission to bring research from the lab into the world where it can create lasting impact.

Video editing: Miranda Lockwood, Student Marketing Associate