Background
Progressive retinal degenerations such as retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, ischemic optic neuropathy, macular degeneration and retinal detachments result in dysfunction and death of retinal neurons and vascular cells, and loss of vision. These afflictions are increasing rapidly in the aging population and constitute a major public health problem. At present no FDA-approved treatments are available to maintain the viability of retinal cells, thus providing an important market opportunity.

Invention Description
We have demonstrated that IGF2 has neurotrophic properties in the mammalian retina. We have also found that applying this hormone directly to the eye leads to enhanced survival of retinal cells and helps maintain vision.

File Number: 3647