Diabetic retinopathy remains the primary cause of vision impairment among diabetic individuals worldwide, representing a substantial global burden that drives urgent demand for novel therapeutic approaches. Ace Therapeutics leverages our multi-omics technology platform, standardized animal model resources, and cross-disciplinary expert team to provide clients with a full-spectrum solution covering early target discovery, candidate drug screening, and preclinical evaluation. Our service is designed to help clients shorten development timelines and reduce drug development costs.

Current Status and Challenges in The Development of Therapies for Diabetic Retinopathy

Anti-VEGF drugs (e.g. ranibizumab) are the current mainstream regimen for DR, which significantly improve vision by reducing retinal neovascularization and macular edema through inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In addition, laser photocoagulation (PRP) for total retinal photocoagulation prevents retinal detachment due to proliferative DR. Despite the increasing research on the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, existing therapies (e.g., anti-VEGF injections) have limitations such as drug resistance and frequent dosing, and novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. However, therapeutic development faces multiple barriers, such as inefficient target validation, insufficient predictability of efficacy in animal models, and complex preclinical-to-clinical translation pathways.

Fig. 1 Drug Targets in Trial for Diabetic Retinopathy. (Bolinger, M. T. & Antonetti D A., 2016)

Diabetic Retinopathy Therapy Development Services at Ace Therapeutics

By synergizing multi-omics driven target mining with high-throughput functional validation, intelligent candidate optimization, and IND-enabling efficacy-safety profiling, we deliver end-to-end solutions that transform mechanistic insights into clinically viable therapies.

Target Discovery and Validation Services

• Multi-omics analysis for target discovery: Using transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic technologies, combined with spatial transcriptomic localization, we screen key DR pathogenic targets from diabetes animal models samples.
• Functional validation service: Through gene editing (CRISPR/Cas9), RNA interference, and overexpression cell line construction, we can validate the correlation between the target and the pathological process of DR.

Drug Candidate Screening and Optimization Services

• High-throughput screening: Based on cellular level (e.g., retinal vascular endothelial cell proliferation/migration assay) and animal models (GK rats, db/db mice), we carry out preliminary screening of the activity and safety of small molecules, antibodies, gene therapies and other drug candidates.
• Structure optimization support: In conjunction with the medicinal chemistry team, we provide lead compound optimization and structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis to enhance the drugability of drug candidates.

Preclinical Efficacy and Safety Evaluation Services

• Pharmacodynamic study: Quantitatively assess the improvement effect of the drug on retinal vascular disease and nerve damage by means of fundus angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), histopathological scoring and other means.
• Safety evaluation: according to safety standards, conduct acute toxicity, long-term toxicity, immunogenicity and other experiments to ensure that the data meet the requirements for new drug declaration.

Our Technology Platforms

Whether you're focused on understanding the underlying mechanisms of DR, conducting preclinical trials, or exploring innovative treatment strategies, our platforms are designed to streamline the research process, enhance data accuracy, and accelerate the translation of findings from bench to bedside.

• Standardized disease models

We maintain multiple animal models of diabetic retinopathy, encompassing both type 1/type 2 diabetes-induced models and genetically engineered mouse models, which support therapeutic testing and mechanistic research across various pathological stages.

• Advanced platform technologies

We are equipped with fundus imaging systems, small animal in vivo imagers, and biological analysis equipment (e.g., ELISA, Western blot), enabling seamless transition from animal models to preclinical research.

• Artificial intelligence assisted R&D

We build DR efficacy prediction models based on AI algorithms to optimize experimental design. We use machine learning to analyze multi-omics data to assist in target prioritization and side effect prediction.

Ace Therapeutics provides scientifically customized therapeutic development solutions through the integration of preclinical research, technological innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration for the advancement of vision health worldwide. Please contact us for more details and we will be happy to assist you.

References

1. Bolinger, M. T. & Antonetti D A. Moving past anti-VEGF: novel therapies for treating diabetic retinopathy. International journal of molecular sciences. 2016, 17(9): 1498.
2. Whitehead, M.; et al. Diabetic retinopathy: a complex pathophysiology requiring novel therapeutic strategies. Expert opinion on biological therapy. 2018, 18(12): 1257-1270.
3. Mansour, S. E.; et al. The evolving treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2020: 653-678.
4. Tan, T. E. & Wong, T. Y. Diabetic retinopathy: Looking forward to 2030. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2023, 13: 1077669.

• Diabetic Retinopathy Pathological Research Service
• In Vivo Modeling of Diabetic Retinopathy
• Diabetic Retinopathy Biomarker Development Service
• Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnostic Assay Development Service

• Mouse Models
• Assay Kits
• Antibodies
• Cell Lines & Lysates
• Proteins & Peptides
• Inhibitors & Activators