Compositions and Methods for Treatment of Eye Diseases

Unmet Need
Oxidative stress contributes to the progression of multiple eye disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Ocular oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance of antioxidants and pro-oxidants in the eye, leading to elevated levels of free radicals. Free radicals contribute to the damage and loss of photoreceptors, resulting in vision impairment and blindness. For many eye disorders, there is no effective therapy that halts disease progression or restores vision loss. Consequently, an antioxidant that protects against oxidative damage in the eye would have therapeutic potential in the treatment of eye disorders.
 
Technology Overview
The inventors have developed a method of treating eye disorders by administering an antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA). When used to treat human retinal cells, NACA protected against oxidative stress-induced cell injury and death. The inventors found that NACA penetrated the retina in mice. Importantly, the inventors found that NACA was protective against oxidative stress-induced retinal cell damage and improved photoreceptor function in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. 
 
Stage of Development
The inventors have found that NACA protects against oxidative damage of human retinal cells in vivo.
 
Publications
Dong A et al., Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2014 April; (55): 1736.
 

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