Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that can cause vision loss and blindness. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Designing preclinical studies to investigate diabetic retinopathy is crucial in the drug discovery process. The right study design can provide valuable insights into the efficacy and safety of potential therapeutics, helping to progress them towards clinical trials.
At MediNect, we understand the importance of well-designed studies and have developed a range of preclinical models to support this research.
Our preclinical models for diabetic retinopathy include the mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), STZ-induced diabetes, Ins2Akita model, Db/Db model, and the retinal vein occlusion model. These models have been well-established and validated, allowing our scientists to conduct high-quality studies with confidence.
The OIR model is a well-established model of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which mimics the retinal neovascularization that occurs in human diabetic retinopathy. Our team has extensive experience in using the OIR model to test the efficacy of potential therapeutics in suppressing retinal neovascularization.
The STZ-induced diabetes model is widely used to study the mechanisms of diabetic retinopathy and to evaluate potential therapeutics. This model involves inducing diabetes in rodents through the administration of streptozotocin (STZ).
The Ins2Akita and Db/Db models are genetic models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively. These models have been widely used to study diabetic retinopathy and to evaluate potential therapeutics.
The retinal vein occlusion model is used to study the effects of vein occlusion on the retina, a common complication of diabetic retinopathy. This model has been widely used to study the mechanisms of vein occlusion and to evaluate potential therapeutics.
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In addition to our well-established preclinical models, we are also developing a novel model of diabetic macular edema (DME) that provides unique features not present in our other models. DME is a complication of diabetic retinopathy that can cause vision loss and blindness. Our new DME model mimics the retinal ischemia and neovascularization that occurs in human DME. This model provides a more accurate representation of the complex pathophysiology of DME and allows us to study the efficacy of potential therapeutics in reducing retinal thickening and preserving visual function. Our team of experienced scientists is currently optimizing this model to ensure its reliability and reproducibility.
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At MediNect, we are proud to offer these well-established preclinical models, and our scientists are highly skilled in conducting studies using these models. We pride ourselves on our ability to tailor each study to meet the specific needs of our clients, delivering high-quality results that support the development of potential therapeutics for diabetic retinopathy.
Fluorescein angiography is a non-invasive imaging technique used to assess the blood flow and vascular structure of the retina in preclinical animal models. The technique involves the injection of a fluorescent dye, such as fluorescein, into the systemic circulation of the animal. The dye then circulates to the retina, where it highlights the retinal vasculature under fluorescent light.
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The outputs provided by fluorescein angiography can be used provides an assessment of retinal blood flow and vascular structure in preclinical models of diabetic retinopathy. It is a good tool to evaluate the efficacy of potential therapies by comparing pre- and post-treatment images on the extent of vascular damage, such as areas of leakage, occlusion, or neovascularisation.
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