Drug treatment of cataracts is one step closer

The revolutionary new treatment for cataracts has shown extremely positive results in laboratory tests, which gives hope that the disease, which can now be cured only by surgery, can soon be treated with drugs.

The results were published today in a peer-reviewed journal Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science.

Cataract is a clouding of the eye lens that develops over time and affects the quality of vision. This is caused by the disorganization of proteins in the lens, which leads to the formation of protein clots that scatter light and greatly reduce the passage of the retina. The cause of cataracts vision loss and the blind for millions of people around the world.

A team of international scientists led by Professor Barbara Pirsenek, Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation) of the Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Welfare at the University of England Ruskin (ARU), conducted advanced optical tests on the oxysterol compound proposed as an anti-cataract drug.

In laboratory trials, treatment with oxysterol VP1-001 showed improved refractive index profiles – a key optical parameter needed to maintain high focal power – in 61% of lenses. This means that the protein organization of the lens is restored, allowing the lens to focus better. This was confirmed by a decrease in lens opacity in 46% of cases.

Professor Pierscionek, who is also a member of the Research Center for Medical Technology at the University of England Ruskin (ARU), said: “This study showed a positive effect of a compound that has been proposed as a cataract drug but has never been tested before lens. This is the first study of its kind in the world.

“This showed that there is a significant difference and improvement in optics between eyes with the same type of cataract treated with the compound compared to those not treated.

“Improvement has occurred in some types of cataracts, but not in all, suggesting that this may be a treatment for certain cataract. This suggests that when developing cataract drugs, it is necessary to distinguish between types of cataracts. This is a significant step forward in treating this extremely common disease with drugs, not surgery. ”