Technology to inhibit vascular changes that lead to vision loss in the eye

US10588916B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Unity Biotechnology, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Pam Tsuruda · Brisbane, US
• Jill Hopkins · South San Francisco, US
• Harry Sweigard · Brisbane, US
• Yan Poon · San Diego, US
• Jamie Dananberg · South San Francisco, US
• Daniel Marquess · Rue de l'Église, US
• Nathaniel David · Brisbane, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 15, 2018
• Grant date: Mar 17, 2020
• Expiry date: Oct 15, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61K47/26
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

This invention is based on the discovery that many eye conditions associated with aging are mediated at least in part by cells bearing a senescent phenotype. Senescent cells accumulate with age, and express factors that contribute to the pathophysiology of age related conditions. The data show that in age-matched patients, the severity of age-related conditions correlates with the abundance of senescent cells, and that clearing senescent cells can help abrogate the condition. Small molecule drugs that remove senescent cells from affected tissue in the eye are provided that have special efficacy in treating ophthalmic conditions. They not only inhibit progression of the disease, they can also reverse some of the pathophysiology—such as neovascularization and vaso-obliteration—that lead to vision loss. These senolytic agents have an appropriate dose and specificity profile to be effective in the clinical management of previously intractable ophthalmic conditions.