Back to Health Library

Study examines nanodrug for optic nerve recovery

Key Takeaways

  • NurExone Biologic Inc announced positive preliminary results from a small study exploring the use of its flagship nanodrug, ExoPTEN, for optic nerve recovery in a rat model.
  • According to the researchers, next steps include more extensive studies to validate these findings and explore their potential application for humans.

In a press release, NurExone Biologic Inc announced the preliminary results from a small study exploring the use of its flagship nanodrug, ExoPTEN, for optic nerve recovery in a rat model. The study was initiated by Michael Belkin, MD, from Tel Aviv University’s Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, after ExoPTEN demonstrated nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury in animal models. According to a separate news release, the study is the latest step in expanding potential clinical indications for NurExone Biologic’s exosome-loaded drugs. (Exosomes are tiny particles that can encapsulate biologically active cargo.) “Our ultimate goal is to restore and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by optic nerve diseases and injuries,” Belkin said.

Glaucoma is typically caused by increased pressure in the eye, which leads to optic nerve compression. For the study, the researchers used an optic nerve crush (ONC) model to simulate glaucoma, in which the optic nerve is crushed, resulting in impaired vision. The researchers explored the therapeutic effects of ExoPTEN on retinal function after ONC compared to healthy baseline levels, an untreated ONC control and ONC treated with naïve exosomes (exosomes that don’t contain drug).

According to the news releases, experimental treatments with ExoPTEN (ONC+PTEN), showed promising results just 18 days following the ONC damage. The researchers pointed out the treatment findings suggest potential pathways for recovery of optic nerve function and overall healthy vision. “While these results are preliminary, they form a solid foundation for further research,” the researchers said. “Our next steps include more extensive studies to validate these findings and explore their potential application for humans.”

Edited by Miriam Kaplan, PhD

Source: David Hutton, Ophthalmology Times, July 18, 2024; see source article