Scleritis is an infrequently occurring and sight-threatening condition of inflammation of the sclera marked by severe pain and intense redness. At Protheragen, we offer comprehensive scleritis diagnostics and therapeutics development services that leverage our expertise in immunology, ophthalmology, and drug development.
Scleritis is a rare, but serious, condition which causes pain and inflammation of the sclera, the outer white layer of the eye. It is associated with intense aching, inflammation of the eye, and even serious detrimental effects on sight. Scleritis can be classified into anterior and posterior types, which can further subdivided into diffuse, nodular and necrotizing forms. The disease is frequently connected to other disorders, especially autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
Fig.1 Case analysis of fundus photographs and B-ultrasound images of scleritis. (Majumder P. D., et al., 2021)As with any form of scleritis, laboratory tests are essential in formulating a different diagnosis. Scleritis associated with other systemic diseases requires a former diagnosis of full blood count, ESR, CRP, RF, ANA, and ANCA, as well as HLA-B27 typing. Scleritis is related to other accompanying diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis, and many more. In cases where an infection is likely, extra microbiological tissue samples and serological blood samples might be required to eliminate infectious causes.
| Therapeutics | Target | Description | Stage |
| Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) | Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes | Reduce inflammation and pain by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. Commonly used as first-line therapy for mild to moderate scleritis. Examples include indomethacin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and flurbiprofen. | Approved |
| Corticosteroids | Immune system | Suppress inflammation through various mechanisms, including inhibition of phospholipase A2 and reduction of cytokine production. Can be administered topically, systemically, or via local injection. | Approved |
| Methotrexate | Dihydrofolate reductase | An antimetabolite that inhibits folate metabolism, reducing immune cell proliferation. Used as a corticosteroid-sparing agent in moderate to severe scleritis. | Approved |
| Mycophenolate Mofetil | Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase | Inhibits purine metabolism, reducing B- and T-cell proliferation. Effective in controlling inflammation and reducing corticosteroid dependence. | Approved |
| Azathioprine | Purine metabolism | Prodrug of 6-mercaptopurine, inhibits B and T lymphocytes. Used in refractory cases and associated with relapsing polychondritis. | Approved |
| Cyclosporine | Calcineurin | Inhibits T-cell activation by blocking interleukin-2 transcription. Used in severe or necrotizing scleritis, especially associated with granulomatosis with polyangiitis. | Approved |
| Tacrolimus | Calcineurin | A similar mechanism to cyclosporine is used topically or systemically for refractory cases. | Approved |
| Infliximab | Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-alpha | A monoclonal antibody that neutralizes TNF-alpha, reducing inflammation. Used in refractory or severe cases. | Approved |
| Adalimumab | TNF-alpha | Another TNF-alpha inhibitor, is effective in controlling inflammation and reducing corticosteroid use. | Approved |
| Certolizumab | TNF-alpha | PEGylated TNF-alpha inhibitor, used in refractory cases. | Approved |
| Rituximab | CD20 | Monoclonal antibody targeting B cells, effective in refractory scleritis, especially in vasculitis-associated cases. | Approved |
Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research services. 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.
Protheragen's therapeutics development services specialize in scleritis immunosuppressive agents, anti-inflammatory drugs, and biological therapies. We focus on our client's requirements to provide tailored service of the highest quality and scientific rigor for all of their projects.
Protheragen's preclinical research services for scleritis are designed to support the development of novel therapies and diagnostics for this condition. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
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