Cell Therapy Development Service

The modification, transplantation, or stimulation of living cells to heal, replace, or reconstitute the damaged tissues fall under cell therapy. At Protheragen, we specialize in developing advanced cell therapies to combat vision loss through cutting-edge preclinical solutions.

Overview of Ophthalmic Cell Therapy

Diseases of the eye, for example, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and glaucoma are among the most important causes of vision loss and blindness globally. While drug therapy is commonplace, many often neglect the root issue of the ailment's therapeutics and initiate no action at all. Cell therapy for ophthalmic disorders involves the use of specific cells to replace damaged tissue, deliver therapeutic agents to the disease site, or enact local disease modulation. The approach showed promise in research and holds promise for the development of therapeutics for eye diseases.

Fig.1 A variety of eye diseases that affect both segments of the eyeball. (Ahmed S., et al., 2023)

Cell Therapy Development for Ophthalmic Diseases

The pace at which ophthalmic disease cell therapy is being developed is extremely rapid. Genetic engineering, stem cell research, and delivery technology have all underscored the possibility of effective therapeutics. Pluripotent stem cell transplantation, specifically cell transplantation, is also gaining popularity. ESCs and iPSCs both have the potential to develop into RPE cells or photoreceptors, making them able to participate in replacing cells such as in the case of RPE or photoreceptor cell replacement therapies. ECT, or Encapsulated Cell Technology, is also a novel and promising method since it enables constant delivery of therapeutic proteins like neurotrophic and anti-angiogenic factors directly to the retina.

Table 1. Summary of cell therapies for ophthalmic diseases. (Kauper K., et al., 2017)

Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research service. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a treatment plan recommendation. For guidance on treatment options, please visit a regular hospital.

Our Services

Cell therapy development for ophthalmic diseases represents a transformative opportunity in the field of modern pharmaceuticals. At Protheragen, we are committed to advancing this field through innovative solutions and comprehensive services.

Target Identification and Validation

By means of modern genomic and proteomic tools, we identify important molecular pathways and cellular mechanisms associated with ophthalmic diseases. Selecting specific cell types and therapeutic molecules is facilitated by this process.

Cell Source Selection and Optimization

Protheragen encompasses autologous, allogeneic, and iPSC sourced cells under its diverse cell sources. Our specialists develop and implement optimally defined cell sourcing and expansion protocols to guarantee high cell viability and functionality.

In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy Studies

With the use of cutting edge models, we evaluate the therapeutic capacity of cell-based interventions. Our in vivo research employs pertinent animal models to mimic disease states and test therapeutics.

Safety and Toxicology Assessments

Safety is fundamental in cell therapy advancement. We consider the immunogenicity studies, tumorigenicity assays, and longitudinal evaluation of therapeutic effects over time.

Pharmacokinetic Testing

Protheragen also performs pharmacokinetic testing to evaluate the distribution, metabolism, and excretion of therapeutic molecules delivered by cell therapies.

Types of Cell Therapy Development

• Autologous Cell Therapy Development: Cell isolation, expansion, and reinfusion, ensuring minimal risk of immune rejection.
• Allogeneic Cell Therapy Development: Focus on developing universal donor cells that can be used for multiple patients. This approach reduces the need for personalized cell sourcing, making therapeutics more accessible and cost-effective.
• iPSC-Derived Cell Therapy Development: The reprogramming of adult cells into iPSCs, differentiation into specific cell types, and optimization of therapeutic applications.

Protheragen's expertise in gene therapy, cell transplantation, and encapsulated cell technology, combined with our customized approach, positions us as a leader in the development of cell therapies for ophthalmic diseases. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

References

• Ahmed, Sadek, Maha M. Amin, and Sinar Sayed. "Ocular drug delivery: a comprehensive review." AAPS PharmSciTech 24.2 (2023): 66.
• Kauper, Konrad, and Arne Nystuen. "Cell therapy for ophthalmic diseases." Cell Therapy: Current Status and Future Directions. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2017. 249-279.