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.
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.
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