DNA Construct for Sustained Ocular Protein Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for ocular pathologies such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and uveitis require frequent intravitreal injections of therapeutic proteins, leading to irregular protein concentrations, side effects, and increased invasive procedures, which are stressful for patients and inefficient in the long term.
Innovation Solution
A DNA construct for nonviral gene therapy that includes sequences coding for two therapeutic proteins, anti-VEGF and decorin, is injected into the ciliary muscle followed by electrotransfer, allowing for sustained production of both proteins in the ocular sphere, reducing the frequency of invasive procedures and maintaining stable protein levels for several months.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent intravitreal injections of therapeutic proteins are administered, then therapeutic effect is maintained, but patient stress and treatment invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by injecting DNA constructs into the ciliary muscle before therapeutic protein administration is needed. The DNA is electrotransfered into ciliary muscle cells, where it will continuously produce therapeutic proteins (anti-VEGF and decorin) over several months, eliminating the need for frequent intravitreal injections and reducing patient stress while maintaining therapeutic efficacy
2Reliability
If frequent intravitreal injections are performed, then protein concentration is maintained, but side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action through the DNA construct that continuously produces therapeutic proteins (anti-VEGF and decorin) at stable concentrations over several months. This continuous production from the ciliary muscle eliminates the peaks and troughs associated with repeated injections, maintaining optimal protein levels while minimizing side effects related to frequent administration
3Device complexity
If single protein therapy is used, then treatment simplicity is maintained, but therapeutic efficacy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate therapeutic functions into a single DNA construct that co-transfects both anti-VEGF and decorin genes into ciliary muscle cells. This combined approach maintains treatment simplicity (single injection site, single procedure) while enhancing therapeutic efficacy through the synergistic action of anti-VEGF for neovascularization control and decorin for fibrosis prevention, addressing multiple pathological mechanisms simultaneously
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The DNA construct enables continuous, stable production of therapeutic proteins in the ocular sphere, reducing the need for frequent injections and minimizing side effects, thereby improving treatment efficacy and patient comfort while maintaining therapeutic protein levels.
Implementation Method 1
The DNA construct and its use according to the invention are more particularly suitable for treating pathologies of the retina by means of an injection of the DNA construct into the ciliary muscle followed by electrotransfer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention mainly relates to a DNA structure for use in treating an ocular pathology and for the non-viral transfer of nucleic acids into the muscular cells of the eyeball of a patient suffering from the ocular pathology; characterised in that it particularly comprises a first sequence encoding a first therapeutic protein and a second sequence encoding a second therapeutic protein which is different from the first therapeutic protein, the DNA structure being administered to the patient by injection into a ciliary muscle then electrotransfer into the cells of the ciliary muscle.