The Journal of the American Chemical Society recently published findings from research conducted by the Institute for Bioengineering of Batalonia (IBEC).
The researchers at the IBEC have created a new class of photoswitchable small-molecule drugs that rebuild critical visual functions in mouse models of age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.
The drugs work by taking over the job that the photoreceptors perform and can be administered either by injection or by eye drops. While these drugs do not cure blindness, they are effective at restoring sight and have demonstrated promising safety profiles.
With the promising results in the mouse studies, the researchers are now examining the drug's safety and formulation with hopes of being able to extend the longevity of the effects of the drug and to eventually secure funding for clinical trials.
