Application
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Diabetic retinopathy (DR) are leading causes of blindness in the Western World. Both are characterized by pathological angiogenesis in the various eye structures. Current treatment for AMD and DR includes monthly intraocular injections of various anti-VEGF agents. In the last few years, a novel biological drug family, the aptamers, was proven for efficacy in ophthalmology treatments. Although these new treatments are promising, they have severe limitations, since they are not personalized for the patients and involve complicated surgical procedures. Therefore, there is still a high demand for more personalized and safer approaches to improve efficiency and compliancy.
Our innovation
We developed a non-invasive personalized diagnosis and treatment method for ocular disease, Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Diabetic retinopathy (DR), using novel nanoparticle-mediated delivery of aptamers. The penetration of the nanoparticles, that function as traditional ocular transport molecular processes holds promise to be the next generation of VEGF aptamer approach to fight AMD-induced blindness risks.
Advantages
- Topical delivery
- Personalized angiogenesis-regulated delivery to revolutionize aptamers drug fields
Opportunity
Diabetic retinopathy is among the key causes of legal blindness in the working adult population. Diabetic retinopathy is currently an extremely expensive treatment for patients. Our method will bring down cost and improve efficiency, for an issue affecting over 30% of the diabetic population around the world.
