Neurotech
reports in IOVS that encapsulated cell based delivery of CNTF reduces
photoreceptor degeneration in animal models of retinitis pigmentosa
Lincoln and Paris, December 3, 2002 - Neurotech, specializing in the development of Encapsulated Cell Technology (ECT) for treating chronic ophthalmic diseases, announced today the publication of preclinical efficacy studies in the leading eye scientific journal, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. These studies were conducted by Neurotech in collaboration with researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University, with the support of the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
CNTF, a natural neuroprotective protein, is known to have protective effects in animal models of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an inherited disease that leads to degeneration of the neural retina of the eye. However, there is no practical way of delivering this protein into the eye. Lack of an adequate delivery system has been a major block in moving to Clinical Trials in this degenerative disease of the retina. RP is one of the leading causes of blindness in young adults and affects approximately 1 million people worldwide. Currently, patients afflicted with retinitis pigmentosa face a slow and irreversible loss of sight following diagnosis. Neurotech's new Encapsulated Cell Technology (ECT) facilitates delivery of therapeutic molecules directly to the target site within the eye in a sustained manner, thereby circumventing the Blood-Retina Barrier (BRB). Neurotech recently demonstrated in animals that the Encapsulated Cell Technology delivers CNTF in the eye over an extended period of time and effectively protects the retina from degeneration. The neuroprotective effect is dose-dependent with greater protection observed with higher doses. In addition, the implanted capsules were well tolerated and retained function during the implant period.
"This proof of concept study is an important milestone in the development of Neurotech's lead ophthalmic ECT product for retinal degeneration," said Bernard Chauvin, Chairman of Neurotech. "It is a great accomplishment and I am particularly pleased that we are one step closer toward clinical testing of ECT."
"Neurotech's demonstration of proof of principle that cell-based delivery of a neurotrophic factor can delay the progression of retinal degeneration represents a significant step forward in the development of a treatment for RP," said Dr. Gerald J. Chader, Chief Scientific Officer of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. "Our innovative partnership with Neurotech underscores the value of the Foundation's efforts to help small biotechnology companies advance promising treatments. We hope that data from this study will soon pave the way for a clinical trial."
Retinal disease remains a major unmet medical need in ophthalmology and affects millions of patients. The main problem is the difficulty in delivering drugs across the Blood-Retina Barrier. Neurotech is seeking to overcome these delivery barriers with its ECT. In addition to the lead ECT-CNTF product, active research is ongoing to evaluate a number of other therapeutic factors, including those with neurotrophic and anti-angiogenic properties as potential therapeutics for retinal degenerative diseases and wet form of age-related macular degeneration.
Neurotech is supported in its scientific and business strategies by world experts in ophthalmology and by a group of international investors. Among the investors, Merlin Biosciences, Apax Partners, GIMV and CDC-Innovation have representatives on the company's Board of Directors.
Contacts:
Andrew Lloyd
Andrew Lloyd & Associates
+44-1273 675 100
allo@ala.com
Bernard Davitian
Neurotech
+33-1 60 87 89 13
b.davitian@neurotech.fr
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Keren Perrott
ANDREW LLOYD & ASSOCIATES
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United Kingdom
Tel: +44-1273 675100
Fax: +44-1273 675400
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75014 Paris
France
Tel: +33-1 56 54 07 00
Fax: +33-1 56 54 07 01
email: keren@ala.com
http://www.ala.com
