UV-B Cataract
Cloudy vision
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First-of-Its-Kind
ND 10 is the first oral medication specifically formulated to prevent UV-B cataracts, setting it apart from existing treatments and positioning it as a pioneer in cataract prevention.
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Current Treatment Limitations
Cataracts are currently managed only through surgical intervention, with no effective non-surgical methods available. ND 10 addresses this gap by providing a potential preventative solution.
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Potential for Widespread Adoption
With its oral formulation and preventive capabilities, ND 10 has the potential to be adopted by a broad demographic, from those with high UV exposure to individuals looking to proactively manage their eye health.
10% of Cataract blindness, is due to UV-B exposure
WHAT IS UV-B CATARACT?
Cataract is commonly regarded as a mere consequence of aging, yet UV-B Cataract, a specific type of this condition arising from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, has emerged as a prevalent issue globally. This condition advances silently, leading to cloudy vision and hindrances in daily activities impacting the quality of life. UV-B cataract, a distinct form of cataract, is triggered by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, specifically UV-B rays. This exposure poses a considerable risk to eye health and can result in vision impairment. When UV-B radiation penetrates the eye and is absorbed by the lens, initiating the generation of free radicals within its structure. Over 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.
Greater exposure to UV-B rays, greater the risk.
The UV-B rays at the wavelength of 280-315nm can put your eyes at risk by increasing the likelihood of developing UV cataracts due to the gradual accumulation of UV radiation exposure over the years.
Higher risk in women.
Cataract prevalence is notably higher among females exposed to 2-5 hours of sunlight, while males demonstrate increased prevalence with over 5 hours of exposure.
PREVALANCE
Globally, approximately 15 million individuals suffer from blindness caused by cataracts, with around 10% of these cases attributed to UV radiation exposure.
Mechanism of action: ND10 utilizes powerful antioxidant properties to combat oxidative stress caused by UV-B radiation, a key contributor to cataract formation. This proactive approach targets the underlying cause of cataract development.
Implications
Poor quality of life
High lifetime treatment/ management costs
High socio economic costs
High incentive to promote us of preventative therapies
OUR SOLUTION
Myopia stands out as a significant medical challenge yet to be fully addressed. In the pursuit of effective myopia management, our novel drug, ND10, a derivative of caffeine, has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in reducing myopia progression among children. Through our research, we have established the safety and tolerability of ND10, underscoring its potential as a promising solution for reducing myopia advancement in the pediatric population.
ND10's mechanism of action involves antagonizing adenosine receptors and upregulating dopamine which stimulates the synthesis of collagen I and fibronectin in scleral fibroblasts and thereby increases the scleral collagen content which is often depleted in myopic eyes. This offers a unique way to slow the progression of myopia9. This first-in-class molecule will change the myopia management landscape, especially for children with myopia, who otherwise, given the limited options available, are bound to progress toward severe and sight-threatening myopia. This distinctive characteristic positions ND10 as an intriguing contender for myopia control, particularly in safeguarding the ocular health and long-term vision of young individuals.
7-MX increases the biomechanical strength of the sclera and prevents eye elongation to inhibit myopia progression.
1. Roberts JE. Ultraviolet radiation as a risk factor for cataract and macular degeneration. Eye Contact Lens. 2011 Jul;37(4):246-9. 2. Ultraviolet radiation. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ultraviolet-radiation. Last accessed on 10 May 2024. 3. Vinson JA. Oxidative stress in cataracts. Pathophysiology. 2006 Aug 1;13(3):151-62. 4. Javitt JC, Wang F, West SK. Blindness due to cataract: epidemiology and prevention. Annu Rev Public Health. 1996;17:159-77. 5. Shah SS, Meyer JJ. Lens-Induced Glaucoma. [Updated 2022 Sep 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK574524/. Last accessed: 11 May 2024 6. Data on file 7.Jang HJ, Kang JG. Correlation of Cataract Prevalence according to Ultraviolet Amount in Korean Adults.
ONGOING RESEARCH
Cataract is a permanent condition with currently no non-surgical methods for their management. In UV cataract, exposure to UV radiation triggers oxidative stress by producing reactive oxygen species which induce damage to the lens and implicate in cataractogenesis. Our innovative product ND 10 under development represents a pioneering approach as the novel oral medication designed to prevent UV-B cataracts. The proposed mechanism is that ND10 leverages its antioxidant properties to play a pivotal role in averting this preventable.
COMPLICATIONS IF UNTREATED
Over time, the progression of cataracts worsens and gradually impairs vision, significantly affecting various aspects of life. Left untreated, they can ultimately lead to total blindness. Additionally, cataracts increase the risk of elevated intraocular pressure, potentially leading to glaucoma. Furthermore, exposure to UV-B radiation can cause retinal damage and macular degeneration.