» Mitochondrial gene therapy shows potential application in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON)....Research published in the US journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) has shown that gene delivery to mitochondria is capable of suppressing visual loss and optic atrophy in an experimental model of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). The results may be expected to have important implications not only for LHON but also for a broad range of human disorders brought about through mitochondrial gene defects.
Date Posted: 16/05/2012
» Phase IIb trial of nitric oxide-donating prostaglandin F2 alpha analog reduces IOP in glaucoma ....Positive phase IIb clinical trial data has supported the continuing development of a nitric oxide (NO)-donating prostaglandin F2-alpha analog for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The randomized investigator-masked phase IIb study has demonstrated that a once daily treatment met the study's primary end-point of reducing the mean diurnal intracocular pressure (IOP) from baseline at day 28 (versus 0.005% latanaprost). A phase III study will now be scheduled to begin at the end of 2012 or early 2013.
Date Posted: 16/05/2012
» French company, NicOx builds capability in developing global ophthalmics business....NicOx (NYSE Euronext Paris: COX), a French pharmaceutical company based in Sophia Antipolis, has announced the purchase of an 11.8% equity stake in the Cambridge, UK based ophthalmic specialist company, Altacor. The £2M(sterling) cash transaction provides NicOx with an exclusive option, up until May 31st, 2012, to acquire the remaining shares in Altacor for an additional £9M. If the full purchase is completed the company may be eligible for milestone payments with an estimated value of £8.5M. Altacor promotes the prescription products Clinitas and Clinitas gel for dry eye conditions and has a pipeline of products for ocular surface disease, ocular infection and glaucoma, including "ALT-005", an ophthalmic surgical antiseptic solution currently in a phase III trial.
Date Posted: 16/05/2012
» Technological advances in delivery vectors may accelerate treatments for early onset retinal degenerations ....New research, published in the journal of Human Molecular Genetics, has demonstrated that a self-complimentary AAV (adeno-associated virus) vector with a specific capsid alteration can increase the efficiency of a gene therapy for LCA (Leber congenital amaurosis). The research, conducted by Dr. Cristy Ku and Professor Visvanathan Ramamurthy at the RC Byrd Health Sciences Centre, West Virginia University, represented the first ever demonstration in a rapid retinal degeneration model of a self complimentary AAV with mutations of surface-exposed tyrosine residues on the viral capsid. If successful in larger studies, the technology may have significant implications for broadening the spectrum of patients treatable with ocular gene therapy tools.
Date Posted: 16/05/2012
Dear EURETINA Members,
A very warm welcome to the May 16th, 2012 edition of EURETINA's web-based digital magazine, "EURETINA Brief".
EURETINA are delighted to continue our delivery of up to date summary briefs on a range of topics of interest to retinal specialists and researchers across Europe. This resource is designed to accommodate the very busy schedules of all our members by providing them with a short overview of some new developments and announcements in our field over recent weeks.
In this issue you will notice the incorporation of a feedback section where you can comment on any of the news items or articles under discussion. Previous articles and issues can be found in the archive section on the left hand panel.
The current issue highlights a number of recent developments in our field including exciting new research demonstrating the potential to treat the mitochondrial disorder, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON); results from a phase IIb clinical trial testing a nitric oxide (NO)-donating prostaglandin F2-alpha analog for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension and, finally; an announcement from the French company NicOx to acquire Cambridge based Altacor and expand its strategy to develop a strong EU ophthalmics business.
Finally, our feature bio-ophthalmology article reports on exciting new research, published in the journal of Human Molecular Genetics, demonstrating that a self-complimentary AAV (adeno-associated virus) vector with a specific capsid alteration can increase the efficiency of a gene therapy for LCA (Leber congenital amaurosis). The research, conducted by Dr. Cristy Ku and Professor Visvanathan Ramamurthy at the RC Byrd Health Sciences Centre, West Virginia University, represents the first ever demonstration in a rapid retinal degeneration model of a self complimentary AAV with mutations of surface-exposed tyrosine residues on the viral capsid. If successful in larger studies, the technology may have significant implications for broadening the spectrum of patients treatable with ocular gene therapy tools.
As always, increased interaction by you with the EURETINA web community serves to expand your professional network and keep you up to date with the latest initiatives, activities and research in your field. Our hope is that such cross-fertilisation in an active web-based platform will lead to increased collaborative opportunities and ultimately to improved patient care. All readers are invited to submit comments or responses to any of the stories featured and we look forward to hearing from you over the coming month.
Best wishes,
Dr. Gearóid Tuohy, EURETINA
