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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.

Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (ION)

Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (ION) results from an interruption of the blood supply to the optic nerve which subsequently results in vision loss. Protheragen, leveraging its extensive expertise in preclinical research, offers comprehensive services to support the development of diagnostics and therapeutics for ION.

Overview of Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (ION)

Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (ION) is one of the common causes of acute optic nerve dysfunction occurring to people aged more than 50 years. It is described as sudden, painless vision loss due to inadequate blood supply to the optic nerve. ION is broadly divided into anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) and posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION). AION is subdivided into arteritic AION(A-AION) which is mainly caused by GCA (Giant Cell Arteritis) and Non-Arteritic AION(NA-AION) which is either idiopathic or accompanies systemic inflammatory vascular diseases. PION can be either arteritic, non-arteritic, or surgical, the last often proceeding from prolonged systemic surgical procedures.

Fundus photograph example of Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (ION).

Fig.1 Fundus photograph example of ION. (Patil A. D., et al., 2022)

Diagnostics Development for Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (ION)

Fluorescein Angiography: Recognizes defects in choroidal filling (PCA occlusion in A-AION).
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Evaluates the neurosensory retina for structural alterations and optic disc edema.
MRI/Orbital Imaging: Excludes compressive lesions as well as optic neuritis.
Temporal Artery Ultrasound/Biopsy: Confirms GCA in suspected A-AION.
Inflammatory Markers (ESR, CRP): Both indicators are elevated in A-AION but can remain within normal range in occult GCA.

Therapeutics Development for Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (ION)

Corticosteroid Therapy

The primary therapy for A-AION and A-PION involves administering high-dose systemic corticosteroids, which slow further visual deterioration by alleviating inflammation. In contrast, early administration of corticosteroids in NA-AION appears to be associated with enhanced visual acuity and widened visual fields. Unfortunately, this benefit declines with therapeutic delays.

Emerging Therapies

Currently, emerging therapies for ION include intravitreal administration of anti-VEGF agents and corticosteroids. Nonetheless, there are some concerns regarding these therapeutics, including variable outcomes and the risk of increased intraocular pressure. Their effectiveness and safety still require additional studies.

Our Services

The services offered by Protheragen aim to help researchers and pharmaceutical entities deal with the intricacies of ION research ranging from target identification to the evaluation of preclinical 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

Preclinical Research

Pharmacodynamics Study Services
Pharmacokinetics Study Services
Drug Safety Evaluation Services

Disease Models

Rabbit Endothelin-1 Models
Non-Human Primate AAION Models
Mesoporphyrin IX Induction NAION Models
Rodent PeAION Models

Protheragen highlights offering customized services around the specific needs of the individual clients. Our specialists actively collaborate with researchers to develop and execute specific research plans, guaranteeing that all endeavors achieve success. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

References

Patil, Ajay D., Valerie Biousse, and Nancy J. Newman. "Ischemic optic neuropathies: current concepts." Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology 25.Suppl 2 (2022): S54-S58.
Hayreh, Sohan Singh. "Management of ischemic optic neuropathies." Indian journal of ophthalmology 59.2 (2011): 123-136.