Treating elevated intraocular pressure with nicotinamide and its analogs

This technology is a therapeutic approach that uses a low dose of nicotinamide to lower intraocular pressure (IOP), which, when elevated, is an important risk factor for glaucoma.

Unmet Need: Prophylactic therapy for the prevention of glaucoma

Glaucoma affects millions globally and can be caused by the buildup of intraocular pressure (IOP), causing optic nerve damage and progressive blindness. Because glaucoma is often detected after damage has occurred, it is critical to monitor and reduce high IOP at the earliest stage. Current treatments focus on reducing IOP through topical eye application, which is difficult and time-consuming for patients. Therefore, there is a need for a cost-effective, easy-to-use preventive approach to reduce high IOP with minimal side effects.

The Technology: Nicotinamide-based therapy for treating high intraocular pressure

This technology identifies low doses of nicotinamide to relieve high intraocular pressure (IOP) and slow the progression of glaucoma. Unlike existing treatments, nicotinamide can be easily taken orally in food or drink. Low doses of nicotinamide support fluid drainage from the eye and reduce IOP, which helps prevent worsening glaucoma. Nicotinamide is also shown to be effective in hard-to-treat cases where glaucoma is linked to underlying genetic mutations, supporting its use for a wider range of patients.

Nicotinamide and pyruvate use in tandem has been validated in Phase 2 randomized clinical trials, demonstrating a reduction in IOP and significant short-term improvement in visual function.

Applications:

• Prophylactic treatment of glaucoma
• Oral medicine for high intraocular pressure
• Anti-aging therapy
• Preventative supplement for age-related eye disease

Advantages:

• Targets underlying causes of glaucoma
• Enables preventative treatment
• Dual efficacy
• Oral delivery
• Non-invasive

Lead Inventor:

Simon John, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending (WO/2024/243081, US20260053789)

Related Publications:

• De Moraes CG, John SMW, Williams PA, Blumberg DM, Cioffi GA, Liebmann JM. “Nicotinamide and Pyruvate for Neuroenhancement in Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial.” JAMA Opthalmol. 2022 Jan 1; 140(1):11-18

• Williams PA, Harder JM, Cardozo BH, Foxworth NE, John SMW. “Nicotinamide treatment robustly protects from inherited mouse glaucoma.” Commun. Integr. Biol. 2018 Jan 19; 11(1):e1356956

• Williams PA, Harder JM, Foxworth NE, Cardozo BH, Cochran KE, John SMW. “Nicotinamide and WLDS Act Together to Prevent Neurodegeneration in Glaucoma.” Front Neurosci. 2017 Apr 24; 11:232

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU23299

• Licensing Contact: Kristin Neuman