Can a drug restore vision in glaucoma and other eye diseases?

UK-based Connexin Therapeutics is a biotech company developing small-molecule drugs which protect and preserve vision in glaucoma, retinopathy, and other eye diseases. Our previous work in mice and primates demonstrates that blocking a protein in the eye called “connexin 36” can protect vision in animals with glaucoma. But can this approach also lead to the restoration of vision?

In one of our most recent experiments, we have demonstrated just that. 

This video explains our experiment and results: Can Vision be Restored?

In this experiment, we induced glaucoma in mice. As glaucoma progresses, we see the loss of function in both the retina and the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss. This is seen in the data presented in the video, where we go from the black bars (healthy) to declining levels of retinal function and optic nerve function over 8 weeks (blue and red bars). 

However, if we administer a drug that blocks connexin 36, we actually see the restoration of both retina and optic nerve function, even while the disease is still there. This is seen in the green bars, which show a return in the function of both the retina and optic nerve. 

These promising results suggest that our approach may lead to the actual restoration of vision in patients who are in danger of losing all of their vision from glaucoma. 

For further information on our company, please email carlosnvelez@connexintx.co.uk

Connect with the company and learn more about Connexin Therapeutics by accessing their deal room here.