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Gene transfer may be way to fight neovascularization, animal study shows
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Preclinical studies of gene transfer suggest that the technique may be a viable way to combat ocular neovascular disorders. Researchers with University College London demonstrated efficient sustained reporter gene expression in retinal cells in a large animal model.
James Bainbridge, MD, and colleagues noted that recombinant local gene transfer of a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor can control both retinal and choroidal neovascularization. However, systemic administration of small molecule angiostatic proteins may risk systemic adverse effects, and the effect of intraocular injection is short-lived. Local gene transfer gives surgeons the possibility of targeted and sustained delivery of angiostatic proteins to the retina after a single procedure, Dr. Bainbridge said.
The paper is published in Clinical Science.