3 million people

in the U.S. have glaucoma

IMPACT OF GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy, specifically a neurodegenerative disease, characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells and

their axons

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in individuals age ≥60

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• Previous studies found that GDNF reverses degeneration of the retinal nerve fiber layer. NRO-1 has  an inhibitory effect of retinal ganglion cell death in an in vitro model

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• NRO-1 provided a neuroprotective effect for RGCs in a rat model of hypoxic retina

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• Pharmacokinetic studies have found that NRO-1 can reach the back of the eye in efficacious concentrations when delivered topically twice a day  

 We believe NRO-1 has the ability to reverse retinal degeneration in glaucoma patients for the following reasons:  

Retinal mixed culture contains RGCs and glias

Neurite elongation induced by NRO-1

J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2017; 33:556-566

 NRO-1 Enhanced Neurite Elongation of Retinal Ganglion Cells   

MANAGEMENT

& TREATMENT

NRO-1 is a potential disease modifying agent   

Current topical therapies don't treat the underlying causes of glaucoma

Treatment is dependent upon the nature and severity of each case.  Generally, glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. 

To prevent or slow further damage, topical therapies, laser procedures, and/or surgical options may be used.  Topical therapies are currently a $4B global market and work by either increasing aqueous outflow or decreasing aqueous production, but don’t treat the underlying cause of the disease. There is a significant unmet need for a disease modifying therapy that can regenerate retinal ganglion cells.