OUR SCIENCE

Focus: Unmet needs in ophthalmology.

According to a report published by the WHO in 2023, blindness and vision loss impacts over 1.1 billion people worldwide.

THE PROBLEM

Vision loss is a growing cause of disability, with the global prevalence of myopia expected to reach 5 billion individuals & high myopia (-5.0 diopters or more), with almost 10% of the population in that category (equating to around 1 billion people) globally, by 2050. Theialife was conceptualised to help visually impaired individuals lead independent lives by providing innovative pharmacological solutions for unmet medical challenges. Our products are designed to help the visually impaired gain increased independence and improve their quality of life. It is best to treat patients earlier in the course of their illness to achieve better results. Today we're building on our already broad and diverse portfolio with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases of the retina and ocular surface diseases.

OUR SOLUTION

This is starting with our leading program for early-onset-pediatric-myopia progression control. The leading therapies used today to treat both DR and AMD are based on repeated needle injections into the eyes and are burdensome with limited efficacy; only 30-40% of patients achieve optimal responses and 30% of patients do not respond to treatment (Virgili, 2018). Existing eye injection therapies, such as the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies (VEGFs) have been clinically validated as it is known that increased levels of VEGF can cause vascular leakage and macular edema.

Dry Eye Disease occurs when your eyes struggle to maintain a healthy tear film, an essential shield for keeping the eye's surface smooth, clear, and resistant to infections. Imbalances in tear production, quality, or distribution, can occur due to various factors, including physiological changes, environmental influence, or underlying medical conditions. These discrepancies lead to symptoms such as dryness and irritation, which can interfere with daily activities and overall comfort.

UV-B cataract, a distinct form of cataract, is triggered by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, specifically UV-B rays. This exposure not only poses a considerable risk to eye health but can also result in temporary vision impairment. When UV-B radiation penetrates the eye, it is absorbed by the lens, initiating the generation of free radicals within its structure. Over the course of time, these free radicals can cause harm to the proteins in the lens, leading to the development of cloudiness and opacity. Consequently, this clouding disrupts the lens's capacity to properly focus light onto the retina, resulting in compromised visual clarity.

Corneal blindness is a condition characterized by the loss of vision due to damage or disease affecting the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface covering the front of the eye. This vital structure plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina, enabling clear vision. Corneal blindness can result from various factors, including injuries, infections, genetic conditions, and degenerative diseases, all of which compromise the cornea's transparency and functionality leading to significant visual impairment or even total blindness.

Keratoconus, a prevalent non-inflammatory corneal ectasia, involves progressive bilateral degeneration and thinning of the cornea, resulting in its eventual conical shape. This alteration causes irregular astigmatism, scattering incoming light and hindering effective correction, ultimately leading to functional vision impairment. Patients typically experience variable reductions in visual acuity, image distortion, and increased sensitivity to glare and light.

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, affects many children worldwide. It’s a condition where distant objects appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear. Genetics and lifestyle factors contribute to its development. To manage myopia, our novel drug 7-MX (a caffeine metabolite) has shown promise in reducing myopia progression in children. Our research has found that 7-MX is a safe and well-tolerated drug, and its potential to reduce myopia progression in children is very promising. As a novel drug, 7-MX’s antagonism of adenosine receptors and its potential to slow myopia progression make it an intriguing candidate for myopia control. This benefits young eyes and their long-term health.

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a severe form of AMD characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the macula, the central part of the retina. In early stages of AMD might notice changes like unusual pigmentation or tiny yellowish deposits called drusen near the center of your vision (fovea). Neovascular AMD typically presents with symptoms such as distorted or blurred central vision, difficulty recognizing faces, and dark or empty spots in the central vision field.

Pterygium is an ocular surface disease characterized mainly by a wing-shaped growth of limbal and conjunctival tissue over the adjacent cornea. Early pterygia are usually asymptomatic. The growth typically starts from the inner corner of the eye and may extend onto the cornea, leading to symptoms such as redness, irritation, foreign body sensation, and blurred vision. Extended exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, as well as environmental factors such as dust, wind, and dry climates, are believed to contribute to its development.

JOIN US

Building the future
of ophthalmology

We are on a mission to tackle some of the world's biggest health challenges, trying to find solutions where none exist. At Theialife, we seek partners who want to push back the boundaries of innovation on behalf of patients.

LET'S WORK TOGETHER