Materials and methods for treating ocular-related disorders

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a method of prophylactically or therapeutically treating an animal for at least one ocular-related disorder, e.g., ocular neovascularization or age-related macular degeneration. The method comprises contacting an ocular cell with an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding an inhibitor of angiogenesis and the same or different nucleic acid sequence encoding a neurotrophic agent. The method also can comprise contacting an ocular cell with different expression vectors, each comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding an inhibitor of angiogenesis and / or a nucleic acid sequence encoding a neurotrophic agent. In addition, the present invention provides a viral vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) or a therapeutic fragment thereof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS [0001] This patent application is a continuation of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 211,701, filed Aug. 2, 2002, which is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT / US01 / 04203, filed Feb. 9, 2001, which designates the U.S., and which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 228,337, filed Aug. 28, 2000, and which also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 181,743, filed Feb. 11, 2000, and which also is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 599,997, filed Jun. 23, 2000, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 181,743, filed Feb. 11, 2000.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] An overwhelming majority of the world's population will experience some degree of vision loss in their lifetime. Vision loss affects virtually all people regardless of age, race, economic or social status, or geographical location. Ocul...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a method for preventing or treating ocular-related disorders such as neovascularization and age-related macular degeneration. This is achieved by contacting an ocular cell with an expression vector containing a nucleic acid sequence encoding an inhibitor of angiogenesis and / or a neurotrophic agent. The nucleic acid sequence can be the same or different. The invention also provides a viral vector containing a nucleic acid sequence encoding PEDF or a therapeutic fragment thereof. The viral vector can also contain other therapeutic substances. The technical effect of this invention is the production of the inhibitor of angiogenesis and / or the neurotrophic agent to treat ocular-related disorders.

Problems solved by technology

Ocular-related disorders, while often not life threatening, necessitate life-style changes that jeopardize the independence of the afflicted individual.

Leading causes of severe vision loss and blindness are ocular-related disorders wherein the vasculature of the eye is damaged or insufficiently regulated.

Damage of the retina, i.e., retinal detachment, retinal tears, or retinal degeneration, is directly connected to vision loss.

While a common cause of retinal detachment, retinal tears, and retinal degeneration is abnormal, i.e., uncontrolled, vascularization of various ocular tissues, this is not always the case.

Atrophic complications associated with age-related macular degeneration, nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, and inflammatory ocular damage are not associated with neovascularization, but can result in severe vision loss if not treated.

Disorders associated with both neovascular and atrophic components, such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, are particularly difficult to treat due to the emergence of a wide variety of complications.

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in patients over 65 years of age.

Prolonged periods of vascular leakage ultimately lead to thickening of the basement membrane and formation of soft and hard exudates.

Retinal neovascularization is the leading cause of vision loss associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

For many ocular-related disorders, no efficient therapeutic options currently are available.

However, laser treatment may cause permanent blind spots corresponding to the treated areas.

Laser treatment may also cause persistent or recurrent hemorrhage, increase the risk of retinal detachment, or induce neovascularization or fibrosis.

With respect to age-related macular degeneration, many patients eventually experience severe vision loss in spite of treatment.

However, in most cases, all available treatment options have limited therapeutic effect, require repeated, costly procedures, and / or are associated with dangerous side-effects.