"Peptide Eye Drops: New Hope for Treating Dry AMD"

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has emerged as the leading cause of vision loss in individuals over the age of 65. Characterized by abnormal alterations in the macular region of the retina, AMD can significantly impact daily activities, reducing vision clarity and causing distortions in visual perception. Dry AMD constitutes approximately 90% of all AMD cases, typically resulting in mild vision impairment; however, about 30% of these patients may progress to wet AMD, which is associated with severe vision loss within a decade.

Current Treatment Landscape

As of 2023, the therapeutic options for dry AMD are limited to two FDA-approved injectable drugs. These treatments, while establishing a lifeline for many patients, are often encumbered by complications arising from intravitreal injections, as well as modest efficacy in restoring vision. The need for alternative, less invasive treatment modalities has become increasingly urgent.

Innovative Peptide-Based Eye Drops

A research team under the leadership of Dr. Moon-Hyeong Seo from the Natural Product Drug Development Center at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has introduced a promising new therapeutic agent for treating dry AMD. This agent can be administered in the form of eye drops, marking a significant advancement in non-invasive treatments for this condition. Their findings were published in the journal Advanced Science.

Challenges in Drug Delivery

The development of effective eye drop formulations that target the retina, situated in the posterior segment of the eye, has posed considerable challenges in the ophthalmic market. However, the research team aimed to address these challenges by focusing on the inflammatory signaling pathway mediated by Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which are known to contribute to the pathogenesis of AMD.

Methodology

To discover efficacious treatment options, the researchers screened an extensive library of over 190,000 peptide candidates derived from tens of thousands of proteins with structural similarities to natural TLR signaling proteins. Advanced screening technology enabled them to identify multiple peptides capable of inhibiting unwanted interactions between TLR proteins.

Therapeutic Efficacy

The team validated the therapeutic potential of these peptides by administering them as eye drops to mice with induced dry AMD. The results were promising:

This substantial retinal protection indicates that peptide-based eye drops could serve as a viable alternative to current injectable therapies for AMD.

Patient Convenience and Future Directions

One of the critical advantages of this new therapeutic agent is its ease of use, which enhances patient adherence and reduces the complications and costs associated with repetitive invasive treatments. The non-invasive nature of these eye drops fosters a safer and more patient-friendly option, potentially transforming the treatment landscape for AMD and similar ophthalmic conditions.

Dr. Seo emphasized the mission-driven approach of the KIST Natural Product Drug Development Center, established to target aging-related diseases, including cancer and ophthalmic conditions. Plans are underway to collaborate with domestic and international pharmaceutical companies to advance global clinical trials for this innovative dry AMD therapeutic.

Conclusion

Overall, peptide-based eye drops represent a significant breakthrough in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration, combining therapeutic efficacy with enhanced convenience for patients. Continued research and clinical developments are expected to optimize treatment accessibility and improve outcomes for those affected by AMD.

References

[1] Yun Lim et al, Massively Parallel Screening of Toll/Interleukin‐1 Receptor (TIR)‐Derived Peptides Reveals Multiple Toll‐Like Receptors (TLRs)‐Targeting Immunomodulatory Peptides, Advanced Science (2024).

[2] Lifespan.io