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Project Description

Please note that we are a research service provider, not a pharmacy or clinic, so we are unable to see patients and do not offer diagnostic and treatment services for individuals.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a degenerative eye condition characterized by the thinning and steepening of the cornea, leading to irregular astigmatism and significant visual impairment. As a research services company, Protheragen is committed to providing professional Keratoconus diagnostics and therapeutic development solutions.

Overview of Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a complex ocular condition characterized by the progressive thinning and conical distortion of the cornea, leading to visual impairment. Recognized as a bilateral yet asymmetrical disease, keratoconus represents a significant challenge to vision health due to its impact on corneal structure and function. The cornea thins and assumes a more cone-like or irregular shape, resulting in irregular astigmatism and significant visual disturbances. Typically emerging in individuals during their second to third decades of life, this condition is notably non-discriminatory, affecting all ethnicities and genders alike. Traditionally thought to be non-inflammatory, contemporary research indicates that inflammatory responses may indeed play a role in its pathophysiology, thereby unlocking new avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies.

Flowchart for keratoconus therapeutics strategy.

Fig.1 Flowchart for keratoconus therapeutics. (Santodomingo-Rubido J., et al., 2022)

Diagnostics Development for Keratoconus

Biomechanical Assessment

The biomechanical properties of the cornea are crucial for understanding keratoconus progression. Devices like the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) and CorVis ST provide insights into corneal hysteresis and resistance factor, which are altered in keratoconus. These parameters are valuable for monitoring disease progression and evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.

Molecular Diagnostics

Molecular diagnostics are emerging as a significant area in keratoconus diagnostics. Genetic screening for mutations associated with keratoconus can identify individuals at risk before clinical signs are apparent. Proteomic and genomic studies are also uncovering biomarkers that may predict disease severity and response to therapeutics.

Therapeutics Development for Keratoconus

Gene Therapies
The genetic component of keratoconus is substantial, with heritability estimates ranging from 15 to 67 times higher risk among individuals with a family history of the disease. Twin studies and family linkage analyses have identified several chromosomal loci associated with keratoconus, including regions on chromosomes 5q32-33, 14q11.2, and 16q22.3-q23.1. These findings underscore the complexity of the genetic landscape in keratoconus and the potential for targeted gene therapy approaches.
Drug Therapies
Drug therapies for keratoconus are in developmental stages, focusing on agents that can modulate the biomechanical properties of the cornea and inhibit the enzymatic degradation of collagen. For instance, riboflavin and ultraviolet A (UVA) cross-linking therapy has shown promise in stabilizing the corneal matrix by forming additional covalent bonds between collagen fibers.
Innovative Therapies
Innovative therapies offer novel approaches to keratoconus therapy, including stem cell therapy and bioengineered corneal substitutes. These methods aim to regenerate the corneal stroma or replace it with tissue-engineered constructs, potentially restoring normal corneal architecture and function.

Our Services

Protheragen is at the forefront of developing innovative therapeutics for keratoconus. Our integrated service offerings encompass the entire drug development pipeline, from conceptualization through preclinical evaluation to ensure optimal therapeutic efficacy and safety.

Diagnostics Development

Karyotype Analysis Service
Omics Analysis Service
Biomarker Development Service
Artificial Intelligence Service

Therapeutic Development

Small Molecule Drug
Cell Therapy
Gene Therapy
Therapeutic Antibody
Therapeutic Peptide
Therapeutic Protein
Customized Therapy Development

Disease Models

Zfp469 BCS/BCS Models
Ppip5k2 Gene-trap Mouse Models
UVR Exposure Models
Eye Rubbing/Scratching Models
Vitamin A Deficiency Models

Preclinical Research

Pharmacodynamics Study Services
Pharmacokinetics Study Services
Drug Safety Evaluation Services
Customized Research Services

Protheragen prides itself on providing comprehensive preclinical research services that support the development of effective keratoconus therapeutics, including pharmacokinetic and toxicology studies. Employing state-of-the-art laboratory platforms and leveraging profound biological insights, our services are designed to unravel the complexities of keratoconus pathogenesis. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

References

Santodomingo-Rubido Jacinto, et al. "Keratoconus: An updated review." Contact Lens and Anterior Eye 45.3 (2022): 101559.
Mohammadpour, Mehrdad, Zahra Heidari, and Hassan Hashemi. "Updates on managements for keratoconus." Journal of current ophthalmology 30.2 (2018): 110-124.