Preclinical optimisation of new aflibercept controlled release ophthalmic depots for AMD: readiness for pharma partnering

NanOptima aims to address the significant burden of retinal diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration(AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. These conditions affect approximately 570,000 people in the UK and over 96 million worldwide. Current treatments, which involve frequent intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs every 1-3 months, are expensive, inconvenient, and unpleasant for patients. Patients often need extended treatments for years, potentially for life. If the intervals between treatments are extended beyond the durability of the anti-VEGF treatment and falls below therapeutic levels, the disease can progress, leading to permanent retinal damage. Current treatments are also limited by a high rate of non-compliance(up to 40%), which reduces their effectiveness in real-world conditions. NanOptima is designing nano-scale drug-release depots constructed from self-assembling polymer filaments and natural human biopolymers. The materials we use will break down into compounds that occur normally throughout the human body, making the treatment safe. The depots are designed to be injected as infrequently as every six months, through a very fine needle with no need for surgical implantation, delivering proven existing retinal anti-VEGF treatments with the intention of being formulated in future with novel treatments under development in the pharmaceutical industry. The solution will make treatment less invasive, reduce risks, distress and costs, and maintain sight-protecting treatment levels for longer. This solution aims to reduce the need for frequent, invasive treatments, lower healthcare costs, and improve patient compliance. The technology has the potential to be adapted for novel retinal treatments currently in development, further extending its applicability. NanOptima is based at Alderley Science Park, where it has access to advanced facilities and senior pharmaceutical expertise. The company has already demonstrated the feasibility of its technology in a previous Innovate UK project and expects to secure partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies to bring its solution to market. Successful completion of this project could attract significant investment to the UK, create high-value jobs, and support contract research organisations in the development process. Ultimately, NanOptima's innovation aims to enhance patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and create a sustainable, long-term solution for retinal diseases, benefiting patients worldwide and generating revenue for UK businesses.