Myopia treatment and prevention using S-methyl-L-Thiocitrulline and its derivatives

This technology uses S-methyl-L-Thiocitrulline, a neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, and its derivatives as a pharmacological treatment for the prevention and treatment of myopia.

Unmet Need: Therapeutic for the prevention and treatment of myopia

Myopia is the most common ocular disorder in the world, with cases predicted to increase from 25% to 50% by 2050. In spite of the high prevalence of this disease, current optical corrective measures do not halt disease progression, and pharmacological treatment options either have low efficacy or serious side effects. These medications also do not take into account the molecular signaling pathways involved in the progression of myopia, and therefore cannot stop progression. As such, there are currently no options for sustained and safe myopia prevention and treatment.

The Technology: Neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitors for myopia treatment and prevention

This technology is a pharmacological treatment option for myopia prevention and treatment. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) has been shown to be a central component of the signaling pathway for myopia development. The nNOS inhibitor S-methyl-L-Thiocitrulline hydrochloride was found to stimulate pathways to prevent myopia progression. This treatment can be administered orally, topically, or via extended drug delivery with contact lenses or eyedrops.

This technology has been validated in mice.

Applications:

• Therapeutic for myopia
• Prophylactic for myopia prevention in individuals with genetic predisposition
• Research tool for elucidating the mechanism of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the development of disease (e.g. myopia) and normal eye growth
• Treatment for headaches and migraines

Advantages:

• Both prevents and treats myopia, unlike current treatment options
• Minimal side effects
• Effective in children and young adults
• Was developed with gene expression profiling and thus targets pathway directly involved in myopia progression

Lead Inventor:

Andrei Tkatchenko, M.D., Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Status

Related Publications:

• Tkatchenko TV, Tkatchenko AV. “Pharmacogenomic Approach to Antimyopia Drug Development: Pathways Lead the Way” Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2019 Nov; 40(11): 833-852.

• Tkatchenko TV, Shah RL, Nagasaki T, Tkatchenko AV. “Analysis of genetic networks regulating refractive eye development in collaborative cross progenitor strain mice reveals new genes and pathways underlying human myopia” BMC Med Genomics. 2019 July 30; 12(1): 113).

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU20384

• Licensing Contact: Kristin Neuman