The National Eye Institute (NEI) seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees for the development of a robust method to generate macular and peripheral retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells for targeted therapies and drug discovery.

This technology includes a robust method to generate macular and peripheral retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, which are crucial for developing targeted cell therapies and drug discovery for retinal degenerative diseases. The problem lies in the lack of in vitro models that accurately reproduce the regional diversity and vulnerability of RPE cells, particularly in conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa. Our innovative approach utilizes two specific drugs, AGN 193109 and endo-IWR 1, to induce distinct macular and peripheral RPE phenotypes from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), enabling the study of regional RPE defects and high-throughput drug screening for specific retinal conditions. 

The technical solution leverages the unique properties of iPSC-derived RPE cells, which can be manipulated to reflect the diverse characteristics of human RPE. This is significant because it allows researchers and clinicians to better understand the mechanisms underlying retinal diseases and to develop targeted therapies. By creating a high-throughput platform for generating various RPE cell types, we can facilitate the discovery of disease-specific pathways and drug candidates, ultimately leading to improved treatment options for patients suffering from retinal degenerative diseases.

We are seeking licensing opportunities for this technology, which has the potential to revolutionize the field of retinal research and therapy. Collaborators and licensees will benefit from access to a cutting-edge platform that addresses a critical gap in current RPE research and therapeutic development. We are open to discussions regarding potential partnerships and collaborations to further advance this technology.