Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Abnormal Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Categories: “Medical and Research Devices“

Reference #: 2014-007

OTC Contact: Sharon E. Pula, Esq. (Directory Information | Send a Message)

DESCRIPTION

The invention provides a method of determining if the retinal pigment epithelium (RPS) of a subject is abnormal. Abnormal RPE is present in numerous retinal diseases such as Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)

APPLICATIONS

• Determining if a subject is at risk of developing or has a condition associated with abnormal RPE, such as but not limited to AMD or RP
• Determining if the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in a subject is abnormal by measuring levels of micro RNA-184 (miR-184)
• Monitoring effectiveness of ocular therapy

ADVANTAGES

• miR-184 is highly conserved, reducing result ambiguity
• Simple and robust way to accurately diagnose AMD and other conditions

BACKGROUND

Researchers at Georgetown University have shown that low levels of miR-184 are indicative that the subject’s RPE is abnormal. Abnormal RPE plays a role in a variety of conditions such as AMD or RP and thus the present invention provides a method for determining if a subject has developed or is at risk for developing such a condition.

STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT

Investigators have proven the correlation in lab setting using human cell cultures. 

INVENTOR

Nady Golestaneh

PATENT STATUS

US Patent No. 11,008,617