China-based clinical-stage ophthalmology firm Arctic Vision recently announced it has entered a research and development deal with Prof. Christopher Leung, Head and Clinical Professor at the HKU (University of Hong Kong) Ophthalmology department, for neuroprotective therapies to treat glaucoma.
For the record, glaucoma, an optic neuropathy defined by the gradual loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), is the leading cause of permanent blindness. It impacted 76 million people worldwide in 2020, with about 22 million in China alone.
It is to be noted that Neuroprotection, which is conducted as non-intraocular pressure (IOP)-related therapies to stop or slow down glaucomatous neurodegeneration, is still an unmet demand in glaucoma management. Thus, new techniques to prevent glaucoma-related blindness are required urgently.
The latest collaboration between HKU and Arctic Vision aims to develop medicines for the treatment of glaucoma with a novel mode of action.
Arctic Vision and HKU, with this four-year collaboration, will focus on modifying mitochondrial activity as a neuroprotective approach and altering cellular pathways in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) for neuro-regeneration and neuroprotection. Besides, they will also develop a gene therapy based on microRNA for the protection of optic nerve in the patients of glaucoma, cited sources close to the matter.
The research will be funded by Arctic Vision, to develop in vivo experimental glaucoma models and undertake a Phase I clinical study.
In this context, Dr. Eddy (Hoi Ti) Wu, CEO, Board Director, and Founder of Arctic Vision, expressed they will collaborate closely with Professor Leung, to develop innovative neuroprotection strategies for glaucoma patients who have progressive vision loss despite effective IOP treatment.
Commenting on the collaboration, Prof. Christopher Leung mentioned they are thrilled to receive funding from Arctic Vision to continue their research into glaucoma treatment. The partnership will also help Hong Kong train vision scientists and biomedical engineers, he added.
About HKU
With 10 faculties and a commitment to intellectual independence, liberty, and diversity, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) enjoys a global reputation as a research-led comprehensive university.
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