Ophthalmology

With our first breakthrough treatment in the rare eye disease Neurotrophic Keratitis, we continue to explore innovative treatments in ophthalmology, and our research in this therapeutic area is expanding.
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Our eyes may be one of our smaller organs, but they are crucial in how we experience our world. We learn more about our surroundings through our eyes than our other four senses. But we often take our eyesight for granted until we experience a problem. Unfortunately, there are many disorders and diseases of the eye, some of which have no known cure.  

 

We are passionate about expanding our understanding of science and pursuing research and development in new and unexpected areas. This led us to ophthalmology and the breakthrough treatments we can deliver in this area. 


Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine focused on the study and treatment of disorders and diseases that affect the eye. Ophthalmologists specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of eye conditions and visual issues.

Our breakthrough treatment in Ophthalmology 

Our breakthrough treatment for Neurotrophic Keratitis, a rare degenerative disease affecting the surface of the eye or cornea, began with our research into Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).  

 

NGF was first discovered by Italian neurologist Rita Levi Montalcini and biochemist Stanley Cohen. In 1986 they jointly received the Nobel Prize for Medicine for this discovery. In their research, they uncovered that NGF plays a crucial role in promoting the growth and survival of nerve cells within the body. As such, NGF showed much potential in being used to treat disorders and diseases in which nerve cells have been damaged. 

 

In 2010 Dompé acquired the rights to develop NGF-based treatments. Following several years of research, our passionate and committed teams developed Cenegermin using a biotechnological process unique to Dompé. This biotechnological process, which is unique to Dompé, uses a bacterial expression system to produce a recombinant protein that is almost identical to the NGF protein naturally produced by the human body. 

 

For the first application of Cenegermin we chose to pursue disorders affecting the eye, particularly the cornea because, being devoid of any blood vessels, it is heavily reliant on nerves for support. Applying NGF to the eye’s surface enables this protein to treat any nerve damage caused to this area by disease.

Our work in ophthalmology is only just beginning 

We are only taking our first steps for rhNGF-based applications within ophthalmology; there is much more to investigate. Having targeted the cornea, there are certainly other possibilities for the use of NGF within other areas of the eye.  

 
We are eager to build on the expertise we have gained through developing our current treatment in ophthalmology and where our research in this area will take us next. Our hunger to keep progressing and delivering new treatments to make a meaningful difference to patients who are living with debilitating eye diseases keeps us focused on what matters. ​ 

Oxervate – a breakthrough treatment for the rare eye disease, Neurotrophic Keratitis.

OXERVATE is a treatment for people with neurotrophic keratitis. The main ingredient of OXERVATE is cenegermin, a recombinant form of human nerve growth factor. OXERVATE is structurally identical to the nerve growth factor that is naturally produced by your eyes.1,6 

Nerve growth factor, made in the body, works to help corneal cells survive 2,4,5  

Nerve growth factor is thought to be involved in the maintenance of nerves that support corneal health.1,6 

In your eyes, naturally occurring nerve growth factor is thought to 2 

  • Foster healing of the cells on corneal surface 

  • Help promote tear secretion 

  • Help improve the function of the nerves in the cornea  

Scientific studies have also shown that nerve growth factor helps corneal epithelial cells and corneal nerves survive.4,5,9 

If you want to learn more about Oxervate, visit www.oxervate.com  

References: 

  1. OXERVATE™ (cenegermin-bkbj) ophthalmic solution 0.002% (20 mcg/mL) [US package insert]. Boston, MA: Dompé U.S. Inc.; 2018. 

  2. Sacchetti M, Lambiase A. Diagnosis and management of neurotrophic keratitis [Internet]. Clin Ophthalm. 2014 Mar;8:571-579. 

  3. Stedman’s Medical Dictionary. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2006. 

  4. Mastropasqua L, Massaro-Giordano G, Nubile M, Sacchetti M. Understanding the pathogenesis of neurotrophic keratitis: the role of corneal nerves. J Cell Physiol. 2017 Apr;232(4):717-724. 

  5. Müller LJ, Marfurt CF, Kruse F, et al. Corneal nerves: structure, contents and function [Internet]. Exp Eye Res. 2003 May;76(5):521-542. 

  6. Bonini S, Rama P, Olzi D, et al. Neurotrophic keratitis [Internet]. Eye. 2003 Nov;17:989-995. 

  7. Versura P, Giannaccare G, Pellegrini M, Sebastiani S, Campos E. Neurotrophic keratitis: current challenges and future prospects. Eye Brain. 2018; 10:37-45. 

  8. Feroze KB, Patel BC. Neurotrophic Keratitis. [Updated 2019 Jan 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431106/

  9. Lambiase A, Sacchetti M. Neurotrophic factors and corneal nerve regeneration. Neural Regen Res. 2017;12(8):1220.