Our Focus
Stuart Therapeutics’ PolyCol™ platform of synthesized therapeutic polypeptides targets and heals specific areas of collagen damage that are implicated in chronic diseases of the eye. In several chronic ophthalmic indications, disease processes cause cellular release of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade and remodel collagen proteins. One specific area of degradation is in helical collagen structures (found in all collagen types). These helical structures are important domains that are involved in intra- and intercellular signaling in healthy tissue. When acted on by MMPs, the resulting disruption in these helical structures diminishes their activity as signaling proteins, leading to a cycle of inflammation and further damage. Healthy collagen structures are required for full and healthy recovery of the affected tissues. Normally, collagen is replaced quite slowly compared to other tissues in the body. As people age, the body’s ability to produce replacement collagen is reduced, thus leading to chronic disease. PolyCol CMPs are structured as a single strand of amino acids, and are mimics of sequences found in normal, healthy helical collagen domains. These CMPs are specifically designed to bind or intercalate into the key damaged areas in the collagen-containing matrix, restoring cell signaling and the structural role that collagen plays in healthy tissues. Treatment with CMPs works quickly, and results in the rapid restoration of tissue health and concomitant reduction in inflammation.
Dry Eye Disease
Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface. It can be caused by simple exposure to the elements, which is typically temporary in nature, or can be related to a variety of physiological changes that cause deficiencies in the tear film. When the tear film is disrupted, the epithelial cells on the surface of the cornea are exposed and begin to die (cell apoptosis). As the disease advances, further damage to the cornea, including corneal nerves, occurs, negatively affecting the tear reflex and exacerbating the damage.
The body responds with inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which digest important portions of the collagen molecule. Under certain conditions, the damage becomes chronic.
Difficulties with current treatments
Over the counter tear film supplements (artificial tears) are a typical first choice for patients. They temporarily replace tears as a surface lubricant on the cornea and provide brief relief, and often require frequent reapplication. The standard of prescription care for this indication is an anti-inflammatory drug. These drugs are slow acting and are helpful to a relatively small percentage of the patient population (less than 30%). More recent developments offer some combination of anti-inflammatory drug with the same delay in relief, or a tear film augmentation approach that includes stimulating the tear response. All solutions leave much to be desired from a patient and physician perspective. There is a significant unmet need for a fast acting therapeutic that provides patient relief to a large percentage of DED sufferers.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy characterized by the progressive degeneration of the optic nerve, leading ultimately to blindness. It is a leading cause of vision loss in the world, affecting approximately 76 million people. Its causes are not completely understood, but it is clear that bio-energetic, bio-mechanical and bio-chemical stresses, including elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), combine to damage the optic nerve and its axons. The optic nerve carries image information from the retina to the brain, which is how we see. Glaucoma is primarily a slow acting disease, but damage is irreversible, so proper diagnosis and intervention is critical. Stuart Therapeutics is proud to partner with a leader in glaucoma treatment, Glaukos Corporation, to develop a groundbreaking approach to neuroprotection in glaucoma. Glaukos has acquired the exclusive worldwide license to Stuart’s ST-113 PolyCol drug candidate, and the companies look forward to moving this asset into the clinic.
Difficulties with current treatments
Glaucoma can still progress even though measured pressure is normal. Pressure lowering drops often need to be taken in combination and have side effects. Patients sometimes need to take up to four different drops on different schedules, and patient compliance is a major concern. There exists no currently approved therapeutic that can protect the optic nerve from damage due to the combination of effects.
Retinal Diseases
Inherited retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and chronic indications such as age-related macular degeneration often cause slow deterioration of the retina, leading to serious loss of vision. These indications involve structures that form the posterior segment of the eye, including Bruch’s membrane, the retinal pigment epithelial cells, and the photoreceptors.
Difficulties with current treatments
There are very limited therapeutic solutions for inherited retinal diseases, and only a few choices for age-related macular degeneration. Stuart is focused on the development of broadly applicable, effective solutions for patients suffering from these indications.
