The first phase of the programme, TAAP-1, ran from 2018 to 2024 and achieved important breakthroughs. It focused primarily on improving outcomes for patients with wet AMD. Researchers developed better treatment strategies and contributed to clinical guidelines that have shaped care across the region. They have also made significant advances in developing novel diagnostic tools and treatments.

Building on the achievements of TAAP-1, the research team also identified further unmet needs. For instance, patients still experience varied responses to treatment. Some develop complications such as fibrosis and retinal atrophy, which can lead to permanent vision loss. Preventive strategies are limited, and early detection remains a challenge.

TAAP-2 builds directly on these insights, expanding its scope beyond advanced disease to address the full spectrum of AMD, from its earliest stages to its most severe outcomes. This includes identifying and following-up at-risk population in the community to understand the natural history and risk factors for progression. For patients receiving current therapies, the team will use cutting-edge molecular and imaging techniques to understand why patients respond differently to therapies. These insights will in-turn inform the development of next generation treatments that target aspects of the disease that are currently irreversible.

To organise this ambitious work, TAAP-2 is structured around four interconnected research themes, each addressing a different aspect of the disease.

The first theme focuses on ‘Re-inventing eye care models’. Traditionally, eye care has been centred in hospitals and clinics, often addressing disease only after it has reached an advanced stage. TAAP-2 seeks to shift this paradigm toward community-based care that emphasises early detection and prevention. By identifying individuals at high risk and screening them earlier, the programme aims to catch AMD before significant vision loss occurs. This approach has the potential to transform how eye care is delivered, making it more proactive and accessible. Additionally, this theme will delineate the long-term incidence and progression of AMD in a multi-ethnic Asian cohort, identify associated risk factors, and conduct comparative analyses with other Asian and European cohorts.

The second theme ‘Restore Sight’, is centred on developing personalised treatment strategies. Recognising that AMD is not a single uniform disease, this theme explores the heterogeneity in disease features and how they influence treatment outcomes. By combining clinical data, imaging, and genetic information, researchers aim to develop therapies that are precisely matched to each patient’s condition. This could lead to more effective treatments and better long-term outcomes.

The third theme, ‘Revealing pathology’, focuses on improving diagnostic tools. Advances in imaging technology have already made it possible to see the retina in unprecedented detail. TAAP-2 builds on this by refining these tools to provide even more precise information about disease progression and treatment response. One example is the development of polarisation-sensitive optical coherence tomography, a technique that can detect subtle changes in retinal tissue and help predict complications such as fibrosis.

The fourth theme, ‘Redefining therapy’, explores new biological pathways and treatment strategies. Current therapies have reached a plateau in effectiveness, particularly for advanced disease. TAAP-2 seeks to go beyond these limits by identifying new molecular targets and developing innovative therapies. This includes research into pathways independent of the VEGF pathway, as well as novel drug delivery systems that could improve the effectiveness and durability of treatments.

At the heart of TAAP-2 is a multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians, each bringing unique expertise to the programme. Leading the initiative is Professor Gemmy Cheung, a world-renowned clinician-scientist in Asian AMD who has played a pivotal role in shaping the understanding of the disease in Asian populations. Her work has contributed to global clinical guidelines and established one of the most comprehensive datasets on AMD in the region.

The team of principal investigators bring together diverse expertise across the four themes. Assistant Professor Tham Yih Chung and Associate Professor Low Lian Leng contribute expertise in population health and large-scale data analysis, helping to identify risk factors and design community-based care models. Associate Professor Fan Qiao brings deep knowledge of genetics, exploring how variations in DNA influence disease development and treatment response.

In the realm of diagnostics, Professor Leopold Schmetterer and Associate Professor Jacqueline Chua lead efforts to advance imaging technologies. Their work on optical coherence tomography and related techniques is central to improving how AMD is detected and monitored. Meanwhile, Associate Professors Wang Xiaomeng and Su Xinyi focus on uncovering new therapeutic targets and developing innovative treatments, including biomaterials and regenerative approaches that could one day restore damaged retinal tissue.

What sets TAAP-2 apart is not just the breadth of its research, but its emphasis on translation. The goal is not only to generate new knowledge, but to turn that knowledge into tangible benefits for patients. This includes developing diagnostic devices that can be used in clinics, creating therapies that can be tested in clinical trials, and designing care models that can be implemented in real-world settings.

The programme also has significant economic implications. By improving early detection and treatment, it has the potential to reduce the long-term costs associated with vision loss. It is also expected to drive innovation in the biotechnology sector, attracting investment and fostering collaborations with industry partners. In this way, TAAP-2 contributes not only to better health outcomes, but also to broader societal and economic benefits.

Equally important is its role in nurturing the next generation of researchers. By bringing together experienced leaders and emerging scientists, TAAP-2 creates a vibrant environment for training and collaboration. This ensures that the advances made today will continue to grow and evolve in the years to come.

As the programme moves forward, its vision is both ambitious and deeply human. It seeks to reduce the burden of blindness, improve quality of life, and give people the gift of clearer sight. In doing so, it represents a powerful example of how science, collaboration, and innovation can come together to address one of the most pressing health challenges of our time.