How does this cancer drug target eye diseases?

Question

Accepted Answer

Cancer Drug Shows Promise for Treating Eye Diseases Through Reduced Blood Vessel Leakage

A cancer drug, PRL3-zumab, developed by Singapore's A\*Star Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), is demonstrating potential in treating blindness caused by conditions like wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. Pre-clinical studies indicate that the drug effectively reduces leakage from damaged blood vessels, a key factor in these sight-impairing diseases. A safety trial, approved by Singapore's Health Sciences Authority, is slated to commence by late 2025, with further human trials planned to assess its efficacy.
Reduced Blood Vessel Leakage Observed in Pre-clinical Studies

Pre-clinical investigations, published in Nature Communications, revealed that PRL3-zumab has the capacity to decrease leakage from compromised blood vessels. This mechanism is directly relevant to the progression of wet AMD and diabetic retinopathy, both of which are characterised by abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the eye. By addressing this leakage, the drug aims to mitigate the damage that leads to vision loss.
Intravenous Administration Shows Superior Leakage Reduction

The intravenous administration of PRL3-zumab in pre-clinical studies demonstrated a significant improvement in reducing blood vessel leakage compared to existing treatment methods. For wet AMD and diabetic retinopathy, the intravenous approach resulted in an 86% greater reduction in leakage when contrasted with traditional scleral injections, which are currently employed to manage these conditions. This suggests a potentially more effective delivery and action of the drug when administered systemically.
Upcoming Safety and Efficacy Trials in Singapore

Following approval from Singapore's Health Sciences Authority on June 16, a safety trial for PRL3-zumab is scheduled to begin by late 2025. This initial phase will focus on assessing the drug's safety profile in human patients. Subsequently, additional human trials will be conducted to evaluate the drug's efficacy in treating patients with wet AMD and diabetic retinopathy, paving the way for its potential broader application in ophthalmology.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

How does this cancer drug target eye diseases?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends