Dedication to science and research is the founding principle and passion that makes Therome who we are. Take a look at why Therome is an innovator in ophthalmology.

OUR

SCIENCE

ABOUT AMD

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of permanent vision impairments in the world. As many as 11 million people have been diagnosed in the United States alone. The biggest risk factors for this disease are age, family history, smoking, and diet.

STAGES OF AMD

AT RISK

EARLY STAGES

INTERMEDIATE

ADVANCED

LIPOSOMAL DELIVERY SYSTEM

ABOUT THE DELIVERY

We have developed a liposomal drug delivery system for sustained release of ocular drugs to treat retinal diseases. Drug delivery to the posterior segment is complicated due to the unique structure of the eye and the blood-ocular barrier. The retinal diseases, age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR), are the leading causes of blindness in American adults (approximately 9 million patients in 2010 and increasing).

Ocular angiogenesis, specifically choroidal neovascularization, is a hallmark of these diseases and is characterized by the growth of new, fragile blood vessels into the sub-retinal space. Current treatment for these diseases involves monthly intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF antibodies. Major disadvantages of this treatment are high frequency of injections due to very short half-life of the antibodies in the vitreous, cost of the antibody drugs, and increased chances of infection (endophthalmitis).

ADVANTAGES OF THIS SYSTEM

Decreased frequency

of injections

Decreased drug

dosage

Increased patient

compliance

Lower chance

of infections

Can be

sterilized

Maintains therapeutic

level of drug over

longer period

PRE-CLINICAL STAGES

Pre-clinical trials for this liposomal drug delivery system have shown promising results. More information and study results can be provided upon signing of an NDA.

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ANIMAL STUDIES FOR

OCULAR PHARMACOKINETICS

In vivo studies were performed using Dutch Belted Rabbits, and the ocular distribution of the model fluorescent tagged antibody Bevacizumab (Avastin) was examined at regular intervals by non-invasive imaging using a Fluorotron. When a single standard dose of 2.5 mg/ml of Bevacizumab was injected into the rabbit’s eye, the drug levels in the vitreous dropped to zero in 6 weeks. On the other hand, when the drug was encapsulated in the liposomes, the minimum therapeutic concentration in the vitreous was maintained up to 22 weeks. The concentrations and anti-VEGF binding affinity of the released antibodies were confirmed using ELISA on samples obtained from the rabbit’s eye at regular intervals.

Want to learn more about our patented delivery system?