The present invention teaches a new and innovative pharmaceutical composition and method for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration in a patient in need thereof. In particular, the present invention teaches the administration of artemisone for the treatment and/or prevention of AMD in a patient in need thereof. This invention relates to one certain extract of the Artemisia annua plant, both in its crude and refined form composed substantially of Artemisone, a compound that is chemically classified as a sesquiterpene with an endo-peroxide group [FIG. 1]. The present invention teaches a for the treatment of either wet or dry age-related macular degeneration. The invention provides for an initial treatment using an intravitreal injection of Artemisone followed by the use of an oral dosage form which is designed to maintain the therapeutic concentration of Artemisone in the eye without having to perform constant intravitreal injections into the eye.
