Solution
D-Sight has developed a new innovative therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of early stages of diabetic retinopathy based on the topical ocular administration of DPP-IV inhibitors.
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Our solution prevents neurodegeneration and the early microvascular alterations linked to these early stages of the disease.
An unmet clinical need
Diabetic Retinopathy is the most common complication of diabetes, and the leading cause of preventable blindness in working-age population.
It significantly impacts diabetic patient quality of life representing an important socio-economic impact for our society.
Current treatments for diabetic retinopathy such as laser photocoagulation, intravitreous injections of corticosteroids or anti-VEGF agents are indicated in too advanced stages of the disease, they have limited effectiveness, and are associated with significant adverse effects.
Our research
Our research group has extensively studied the different mechanisms linking neurodegeneration and microangiopathy in diabetic retinopathy.
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We previously demonstrated that both GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor are produced by human retina and that their content was significantly lower in retinas from diabetic subjects. Apart from administrating GLP-1, another way to increase GLP-1 retinal levels is by inhibiting its degradation. In this sense, GLP-1 is easily degraded by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV).
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Our research group found that DPP-IV inhibitors, such as sitagliptin and saxagliptin, administered as eye drops led to a significant increase in the intraretinal content of GLP-1, executing a dual action (neurotrophic and vasculotrophic) for the treatment of early stages of diabetic retinopathy.
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More importantly, DPP-IV inhibitors do not altere blood glucose levels. This allows us to assess the direct effect of the drug in the retina independently of metabolic control, and
decreases the systemic effects associated with other current treatments.
Value proposition
Efficacy
IN THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF EARLY STAGES OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY, WITH NO ASSOCIATED SIDE-EFFECTS.
Administration
OUR SOLUTION IS NON-INVASIVE AND SELF-ADMINISTRABLE.
Strong IP strategy
OUR PATENT FAMILY IS PRESENT IN 22 COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE.
Cost-effective
OUR TREATMENT IS CHEAPER THAN OTHER AVAILABLE THERAPIES, REPRESENTING A COST-SAVING SOLUTION FOR NATIONAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD.
Pipeline state of development
Indication
Drug discovery
Preclinical development
Clinical Phase I
Clinical Phase II
Clinical Phase III
Approval
Diabetic Retinopathy (early stages)
Glaucoma
Diabetic Retinopathy (advance stages)