Columbia Technology Ventures

This technology is a library of compounds designed to target key pathways of eye development that can be used to treat myopia.

Unmet Need: Safe disease-modifying treatment for myopia

Corrective lenses and refractive surgery can help patients overcome obstacles associated with vision loss caused by myopia. However, these approaches have minimal effects on the underlying elongation of the eye. Although pharmaceutical treatments for myopia are in development, the side effects associated with these treatments are considered unacceptable for long-term therapy.

The Technology: Compounds for treating myopia compatible with diverse routes of administration

This collection of compounds leverages important pathways in eye development to treat or prevent myopia. Using both targeted and systems genetics approaches, these compounds were prioritized based on their anti-myopic potential. Flexibility in the route of administration of these compounds, including topically via eye drops or via specialized contact lenses, limits potential side effects.

Applications:

  • Treatment for myopia
  • Prevention of myopia
  • Combination therapy for myopia
  • Research tool for studying genetic mechanisms underlying myopia progression
  • Preventative for ocular diseases associated with myopia (cataracts, retinal detachment)

Advantages:

  • Directly modifies myopia development
  • Compatible with a variety of administration routes (oral, injectable, coated contact lenses, eye drops)
  • Little to no side effects

Lead Inventor:

Andrei Tkatchenko, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending(WO/2021/247635)

Patent Pending(WO/2021/252626)

Patent Pending(WO/2021/252628)

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference:

  • IR CU20372, CU20378, CU20379, CU20382, CU20383, CU20384

  • Licensing Contact: Kristin Neuman