Customized Animal Models of Glaucoma

Inquiry

Animal models of glaucoma make it possible to study intraocular pressure (IOP) control and optic nerve degeneration in a reproducible way, allowing longitudinal characterization of disease onset and progression, comparison of therapeutic approaches, and systematic evaluation of new therapeutic candidates. Ace Therapeutics provides customized animal models of glaucoma and draws on the comprehensive capabilities of our ocular technology platform to support the preclinical development of IOP-lowering, neuroprotective, and regenerative therapeutics.

Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of progressive optic neuropathies marked by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss, optic nerve head cupping, and corresponding visual field defects. Elevated IOP, often due to impaired aqueous humor outflow through the trabecular meshwork (TM), is a key modifiable risk factor and leads to mechanical stress at the lamina cribrosa, disrupted axonal transport, and RGC death. Current management options, including topical IOP-lowering medications, laser procedures, and surgery, primarily act by reducing IOP.

Fig. 1. Drainage pathways of the aqueous humor. Fig. 1. Aqueous Humor Drainage Pathways. (Kang MJ and Tanna AP, 2021)

Explore Our Animal Models of Glaucoma

Animal models of glaucoma are important tools in preclinical research for evaluating IOP-lowering and neuroprotective approaches, and they also provide a basis for exploring regenerative strategies targeting RGCs and the optic nerve. Our glaucoma models can be customized to reflect key aspects of disease biology, from IOP-related stress at the optic nerve head to ischemic and progressive neurodegenerative changes. By leveraging animal models of glaucoma, Ace Therapeutics supports researchers in mechanism-of-action studies, refinement of dosing strategies, and comparative assessment of therapeutic candidates across preclinical development in glaucoma.

Glaucoma Animal Model Evaluation Services

Leveraging our ocular technology platform, we provide comprehensive ophthalmic assessment services for glaucoma studies, enabling characterization of disease progression and therapeutic effects in animal models.

Service Category	Available Services
Structural Assessment	Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure optic nerve head structure, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and macular ganglion cell complex. Fundus imaging to document optic disc cupping, retinal vessels, and posterior pole appearance. Anterior segment imaging to evaluate the anterior chamber angle and anterior segment morphology. Histological analysis to quantify RGC density, optic nerve axon counts, and related structural changes.
Functional Assessment	Tonometry to monitor intraocular pressure (IOP) longitudinally in glaucoma animal models. Electroretinography (ERG) to assess retinal function under scotopic and photopic conditions. Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) to evaluate optic nerve and central visual pathway function.
Behavioral Assessment	Optokinetic tracking to assess visual function in vivo, including visual acuity and contrast sensitivity.

Ace Therapeutics combines customized animal models of glaucoma with integrated ophthalmic evaluation services to provide comprehensive support in the preclinical assessment of IOP-lowering, neuroprotective, and regenerative approaches. Whether your program focuses on mechanism-of-action studies or efficacy evaluation, our scientific team can help tailor models and endpoints to your objectives. To learn how our glaucoma-focused preclinical research capabilities can support your program, please contact us for further discussion and visit our dedicated glaucoma website for additional information.

References

Kang JM, Tanna AP. Glaucoma. Med Clin North Am. 2021 May; 105(3): 493-510.
Weinreb RN, Aung T, Medeiros FA. The pathophysiology and treatment of glaucoma: a review. JAMA. 2014 May 14; 311(18): 1901-11.

For Research Use Only.