Methods of Treating Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Posted Mar 28 2011 8:00pm
Description of Invention: Available for licensing is a novel method of treating age related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in elderly populations worldwide. Inflammation, among other factors, has been suggested to play an important role in AMD pathogenesis. Recent studies have demonstrated a link between the complement system, inflammation, and AMD pathogenesis. Notably, researchers at NEI have shown that certain members of the C5a pathway are increased in AMD patients, and in vitro experiments demonstrated that those same pathway members cause a decrease in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) viability, a hallmark of AMD. Blocking the C5a pathway presents a promising approach to prevent and treat AMD.
Applications: Prevention and/or treatment of Age-related Macular Degeneration
Development Status: In vivo mouse studies are in progress to test the effectiveness of the treatment.
For Licensing Information Please Contact: Jaime Greene M.S. NIH Office of Technology Transfer 6011 Executive Blvd. Suite 325, Rockville, MD 20852 United States Email: greenejaime@mail.nih.gov Phone: 301-435-5559 Fax: 301-402-0220
Description of Invention:
Available for licensing is a novel method of treating age related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in elderly populations worldwide. Inflammation, among other factors, has been suggested to play an important role in AMD pathogenesis. Recent studies have demonstrated a link between the complement system, inflammation, and AMD pathogenesis. Notably, researchers at NEI have shown that certain members of the C5a pathway are increased in AMD patients, and in vitro experiments demonstrated that those same pathway members cause a decrease in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) viability, a hallmark of AMD. Blocking the C5a pathway presents a promising approach to prevent and treat AMD.
Applications:
Prevention and/or treatment of Age-related Macular Degeneration
Development Status:
In vivo mouse studies are in progress to test the effectiveness of the treatment.
Inventors:
Robert B Nussenblatt (NEI)
Patent Status:
HHS, Reference No. E-099-2010/0
US, Application No. 61/429,580 filed 04 Jan 2011
Licensing Status:
Available for licensing.
Portfolios:
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology - Diagnostics
Ophthalmology - Therapeutics
For Licensing Information Please Contact:
Jaime Greene M.S.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd. Suite 325,
Rockville, MD 20852
United States
Email: greenejaime@mail.nih.gov
Phone: 301-435-5559
Fax: 301-402-0220
Ref No: 2245
Updated: 03/2011