At Ace Therapeutics, we provide integrated preclinical solutions for glaucoma, combining in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models to study disease mechanisms and evaluate therapeutic candidates. Our expertise spans gene therapy, small molecules, and innovative delivery systems, supported by biomarker analysis, multi-omics profiling, and customized study design—supporting glaucoma research from mechanistic insights to translational innovations.
Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of progressive optic neuropathies characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration, optic nerve damage, and vision loss. It is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The disease is multifactorial, involving factors such as elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), vascular dysregulation, neuroinflammation, and genetic predisposition.
Types of Glaucoma
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
Most common form
Gradual increase in IOP
Slow progressive vision loss
Angle-Closure Glaucoma (ACG)
Sudden blockage of aqueous humor outflow
Can lead to acute IOP elevation and rapid vision loss
Normal-Tension Glaucoma (NTG)
Optic nerve damage despite normal IOP
Associated with vascular dysregulation
Secondary Glaucoma
Resulting from trauma, inflammation, or medications
Congenital Glaucoma
Rare, hereditary form
Present at birth or early childhood
Targets for Glaucoma
-
Trabecular Meshwork (TM) Pathways
Modulation of extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton to improve aqueous humor outflow -
Neuroprotection Targets
Glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, neurotrophic factor signaling -
Vascular Modulators
Endothelial nitric oxide, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) -
Inflammatory Pathways
Microglial activation, cytokine modulation
Pharmacological Agents for Glaucoma Management
Several pharmacological agents are currently used to manage glaucoma by lowering IOP or providing neuroprotection. Common therapeutic classes include:
| Drug Class | Mechanism of Action | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Prostaglandin analogs | Increase uveoscleral outflow | Latanoprost, Bimatoprost |
| Beta-blockers | Reduce aqueous humor production | Timolol, Betaxolol |
| Alpha-adrenergic agonists | Reduce aqueous production and increase outflow | Brimonidine |
| Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors | Reduce aqueous humor formation | Dorzolamide, Brinzolamide |
| Rho kinase inhibitors | Increase trabecular outflow | Netarsudil |
While these drugs provide symptomatic relief, new therapeutic targets are under investigation to improve neuroprotection and slow disease progression.
In Vitro Models for Glaucoma Research
Our in vitro glaucoma research platform integrates diverse cellular systems to simulate key ocular microenvironments and pathological mechanisms. These models enable precise assessment of IOP regulation, retinal neurodegeneration, and inflammatory responses, providing a versatile foundation for early-stage screening and mechanistic studies.
Ex Vivo Models for Glaucoma Research
Ex vivo ocular tissue models offer an intermediate level of complexity between cell-based assays and in vivo studies. Ace Therapeutics supports:
- Porcine or Bovine Anterior Segment Perfusion: Assess aqueous humor dynamics and trabecular outflow
- Retinal Explants: Evaluate RGC survival and axonal integrity under experimental conditions
- Optic Nerve Culture: Study neurodegeneration and protective interventions
In Vivo Models for Glaucoma Research
In vivo models are critical for understanding glaucoma pathophysiology, evaluating neuroprotective strategies, and testing novel therapeutics. Ace Therapeutics offers a comprehensive suite of animal models to support early-stage drug discovery and mechanistic research for glaucoma.
Inducible Animal Models for Glaucoma Research
Inducible models replicate elevated IOP and retinal stress in a temporally controlled manner, facilitating pharmacological testing and mechanism studies.
- Custom Microbead-Induced Models
- Custom Carbomer-Induced Models
- Custom Hyaluronic Acid-Induced Models
- Custom Hypertonic Saline-Induced Models
- Custom Laser Photocoagulation-Induced Models
Genetic Mouse Models for Glaucoma Research
Genetic models allow investigation of disease-associated gene mutations and their impact on RGCs and IOP.
- Custom DBA/2 Mouse Models
- Custom Transgenic MYOC Mouse Models
- Custom Pitx2 Mutant Mouse Models
- Custom Foxc1 Mutant Mouse Models
- Custom Foxc2 Mutant Mouse Models
*Note: Ace Therapeutics does not commercialize live animals or ship models externally, studies are conducted exclusively in-house under BSL-2 protocols.
Can't Find the Right Model? We Offer Customized Modeling Services!
Our team develops disease-specific models that recapitulate key features of human glaucoma — from elevated IOP to optic nerve damage. We can optimize existing models or engineer new systems (such as CRISPR/Cas9 and humanized mice), aligning model selection with your research goals.
Glaucoma Basic Research Services
Understanding glaucoma requires a comprehensive investigation of its genetic, metabolic, proteomic, and biomechanical dimensions. At Ace Therapeutics, we provide an integrated research platform to explore the underlying mechanisms of disease onset and progression, supporting rational target discovery and translational insight.
Genome-Wide Association studies with POAG
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) enable systematic identification of risk alleles linked to primary open-angle glaucoma. Ace Therapeutics supports the full GWAS workflow to pinpoint genes associated with optic nerve vulnerability, IOP regulation, and trabecular meshwork homeostasis.
Metabolomic Analysis of Glaucoma
Metabolic imbalance contributes to oxidative stress and retinal ganglion cell dysfunction in glaucoma. Ace Therapeutics applies targeted and untargeted metabolomics to characterize metabolic alterations in aqueous humor, plasma, and retinal tissues.
Proteomic Analysis of Glaucoma
Proteomics provides crucial insight into molecular pathways involved in optic nerve damage and trabecular meshwork remodeling. At Ace Therapeutics, we perform quantitative proteomic profiling to detect and validate protein alterations correlated with glaucoma pathogenesis.
Biomechanical Analysis in Glaucoma
Biomechanical stress plays a central role in the deformation of the optic nerve head and TM under elevated IOP. Ace Therapeutics combines experimental and computational biomechanics to investigate how structural and mechanical changes contribute to disease progression.
Decoding the Molecular and Biomechanical Foundations of Glaucoma
Glaucoma Drug Discovery Services
Ace Therapeutics provides professional support to biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies. We are dedicated to integrating the latest advancements in glaucoma drug development to offer comprehensive therapeutic options, including gene therapy, novel small-molecule drugs, and advanced drug delivery systems. Our drug discovery services are designed to help identify potential therapeutic candidates:
- Target validation and screening
- High-throughput compound evaluation
- Hit-to-lead optimization
- Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies
- Mechanism-of-action analysis
Gene Therapy Discovery for Glaucoma
- Target validation of glaucoma-related genes (MYOC, OPTN, ANGPTL7) linked to RGC loss and trabecular dysfunction.
- Vector design and optimization with AAV or lentiviral systems for precise ocular delivery.
- In vitro evaluation of gene expression, cytotoxicity, and neuroprotective effects.
- Mechanistic analysis of signaling pathways, oxidative stress, and ECM modulation.
Small Molecule Drug Discovery for Glaucoma
- High-throughput screening of compounds targeting key glaucoma pathways (ROCK, Nrf2, MMPs, TNF-α).
- Phenotypic assays in RGC, astrocyte, and trabecular models to assess neuroprotection and outflow function.
- Mechanistic profiling via transcriptomics and biomarker analysis.
- Lead selection based on in vitro pharmacokinetic, solubility, and toxicity data.
Drug Delivery System Discovery for Glaucoma
- Formulation design of nanoparticles, liposomes, and biodegradable microspheres for sustained release.
- In vitro permeability and stability testing using corneal and scleral models to predict ocular absorption.
- Screening of carrier-drug interactions to evaluate release kinetics and biocompatibility.
- Mechanistic assessment of tissue targeting and intraocular retention via imaging-based analysis.
Preclinical Glaucoma Drug Development Services
Ace Therapeutics offers a comprehensive suite of preclinical studies to support drug candidates prior to their entry into clinical research. Our services include both in vivo and in vitro models, with specialized capabilities in developing various animal and cellular models of glaucoma. We perform analytical drug profiling, along with pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological evaluations. Through integrated preclinical support, we facilitate drug development from early-stage testing through advanced preclinical assessment.
Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution
- ADME profiling
- Ocular distribution and bioavailability
- Clearance and metabolite identification
Pharmacodynamics Studies
- Mechanism of action (MOA) studies
- Efficacy and potency assessment
- Dose-response analysis
Safety and Toxicology Support
- Ocular tolerability studies
- Retinal and corneal histology
- Inflammatory response monitoring
Formulation Assessment
- Ocular penetration studies
- Vehicle compatibility testing
- Stability evaluation in preclinical models
Biomarker Analysis
- Quantification of molecular markers for disease progression
- Identification of pharmacodynamic indicators
- Multiplex assays for cytokines and neurotrophic factors
Imaging and Histology Services
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) for retinal thickness
- Fundus imaging for optic nerve assessment
- Immunohistochemistry for TM, RGCs, and optic nerve structures
Glaucoma Biomarker Analysis
Biomarker evaluation is central to understanding glaucoma pathogenesis and drug effects. Ace Therapeutics provides targeted biomarker analysis based on the underlying disease mechanisms.
- Early Detection: Identify disease onset and progression
- Pathway Elucidation: Understand pathways affected by therapeutic candidates
- Drug Response Monitoring: Evaluate efficacy and pharmacodynamics
- Decision-Making Support: Inform preclinical go or no-go decisions
| Mechanism | Specific Biomarkers | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Neurodegeneration | Brn3a, RBPMS, NGF |
|
| Oxidative stress | 8-OHdG, SOD, GSH, NFE2L2 (NRF2) |
|
| Apoptosis | Caspase-3, BAX/Bcl-2 ratio |
|
| Inflammation | TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 |
|
| ECM remodeling | MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMPs, ANGPTL7, MYOC |
|
| IOP regulation / Vascular modulation | Aquaporin-1, Na+/K+-ATPase, VEGFA |
|
We look forward to working with you and maintaining a long-lasting relationship to help make your project a success. If you have any questions for us, please fill out the form information below and send it to us and we will contact you as soon as possible to find what you are looking for.
FAQs About Our Preclinical Glaucoma R&D Services
What types of glaucoma models do you offer?
We provide a range of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models that simulate various aspects of glaucoma, such as elevated IOP, RGC degeneration, and optic nerve damage. These include cell-based systems, perfused eye cultures, and animal models tailored to specific research questions.
How do you ensure data quality and reproducibility?
We implement standardized protocols, quality control measures, and validation steps for all our services. Our team follows rigorous experimental design principles and uses statistical methods to minimize variability, ensuring that results are consistent and reliable.
Can you customize services for unique project needs?
Yes, we offer tailored solutions based on client objectives. Whether you need specific biomarker panels, custom model development, or integrated service packages, we work closely with you to design approaches that address your research goals.
What biomarkers do you commonly analyze in glaucoma studies?
We analyze biomarkers related to IOP regulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and vascular function, as outlined in our biomarker section. Common examples include cytokines, reactive oxygen species levels, and caspase activity, which we measure using techniques like immunoassays and molecular biology tools.
How do you handle compound confidentiality and intellectual property?
We adhere to strict confidentiality agreements and data security protocols to protect client intellectual property. All projects are conducted under secure conditions, and we ensure that ownership of data and discoveries remains with the client.
What is the typical process for initiating a project with Ace Therapeutics?
The process begins with a consultation to discuss your research needs and objectives. We then propose a customized plan, agree on timelines and deliverables, and proceed with the study while maintaining open communication throughout the project lifecycle.