NCT07482176 · Adverum Biotechnologies, Inc.
Efficacy and Safety Study of Ixoberogene Soroparvovec (Ixo-vec) in Participants With Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration (AQUARIUS)
(AQUARIUS)
What this study is about
This is a multi-center, randomly assigned, double-masked, active-comparator-controlled, Phase 3 study in a broad participant population (treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced) with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). The study will evaluate a single intravitreal (IVT) injection of Ixo-vec compared to intravitreal aflibercept (active comparator).
View original scientific description
This is a multi-center, randomized, double-masked, active-comparator-controlled, Phase 3 study in a broad participant population (treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced) with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). The study will evaluate a single intravitreal (IVT) injection of Ixo-vec compared to intravitreal aflibercept (active comparator). The primary endpoint of this study is the mean change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of Ixo-vec compared to an active comparator measured as an average at Weeks 52 and 56. Safety, tolerability, and efficacy will be evaluated throughout the study.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Able and willing to provide informed consent (or have a legally authorized representative who is able and willing to provide informed consent) prior to any study assessments and procedures and comply with the study requirements and visits.
- Male or female with a diagnosis of CNV secondary to nAMD in the study eye, with nAMD disease activity at Screening Visit 1.
- At least 50 years old at Screening Visit 1.
- An ETDRS BCVA letter score of 35 - 78 (approximate Snellen equivalent of 20/200 to 20/32) in the study eye at Screening Visit 1.
- Demonstrated a meaningful anatomic response to anti-VEGF therapy during screening.
- Able to reliably use eye drops per protocol.
Exclusion criteria
- General Exclusion Criteria
- History of a medical condition giving reasonable suspicion of a condition that contraindicates the use of Ixo-vec, compromises the participant's ability to comply with the planned study activities, or that might affect the interpretation of the results of the study or render the participant at high risk for treatment complications in the opinion of the Investigator. History of severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection may meet this exclusion criterion if, in the opinion of the Investigator, it is likely to lead to any important complications.
- Received any prior gene therapy.
- Prior treatment with any non-gene therapy investigational medicinal product (IMP) or medical device in the study eye within 3 months of Screening Visit 1 or 5 half-lives of the IMP prior to dosing with Ixo-vec, whichever is longer.
- Female participants who are pregnant or breastfeeding or who intend to become pregnant or breastfeed in the future.
- History or evidence of any of the following cardiovascular diseases:
- Myocardial infarction in the 6-month period prior to Week 1.
- Uncontrolled hypertension defined as systolic blood pressure \> 160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure \> 100 mmHg during screening.
- Stroke in the 6-month period prior to Week 1.
- History of ongoing bleeding disorders. The use of aspirin or other anticoagulants (e.g., Factor Xa inhibitors) is permitted.
- Use of systemic immunosuppressive drugs within 90 days prior to Screening Visit 1. Short courses of oral corticosteroids are permitted, as well as any inhaled, intra-articular, nasal or dermal steroid use.
- Evidence of poorly controlled diabetes or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 8.0% during screening. Ocular Exclusion Criteria
- Any active ocular or periocular infection in the study eye from Screening Visit 1.
- History or evidence of the following in the study eye:
- Intraocular or refractive surgery within 5 months prior to Week 1.
- Any previous penetrating keratoplasty or vitrectomy.
- Any previous panretinal photocoagulation.
- Any previous submacular surgery, other surgical intervention (including port delivery system) or laser treatment for age-related macular degeneration.
- Any history or evidence of retinal detachment (with or without repair) or retinal pigment epithelium rip/tear in the study eye, as determined by the Investigator during screening or at Week 1.
- Uncontrolled ocular hypertension or glaucoma in the study eye from Screening Visit 1 to Week 1 or current use of ≥ 2 intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering medications or normal tension glaucoma/suspect in the study eye or history of any of the following procedures in the study eye prior to Week 1:
- Incisional glaucoma surgery (i.e., glaucoma drainage implant/shunt or trabeculectomy)
- Ocular angle-based surgery (i.e., goniotomy or canaloplasty)
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) in the study eye.
- Angle-based glaucoma surgery (e.g., Argon or Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty)
- Any history of IOP elevation related to topical steroid administration in either eye.
- Any history of uveitis or inflammation (grade trace or above) except mild anticipated post operative inflammation that resolved in either eye.
- Any history of treatment with complement inhibitors for geographic atrophy in the study eye.
- Known history of ocular herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, or cytomegalovirus, including viral uveitis, retinitis, or keratitis in either eye.
Where
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- Sun City, Arizona
- Springdale, Arkansas
- Bakersfield, California
- Beverly Hills, California
- Campbell, California
- Encino, California
- Fullerton, California
- Huntington Beach, California
- Poway, California
- Redlands, California
And 44 more locations — see the full list below.
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations