Neurotrophins, a science-driven excellence

Dompé farmaceutici is a leader in the research and development of innovative solutions utilizing manufactured neurotrophins for more than a decade. Neurotrophins are a family of proteins that induce the survival, development, and function of nerve cells. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is the first discovered member of the neurotrophins family (1,2,3,4).

The discovery of NGF earned Rita Levi Montalcini and Stanley Cohen the Nobel Prize in 1986 (5). Therapeutic development began 24 years later with Dompé’s acquisition of the rights for the development, production, and commercialization of the recombinant human NGF (rhNGF) in 2010. Today, our expertise in the science behind neurotrophins is driving the evolution of our research programs to evaluate potential applications of rhNGF to various ocular and systemic conditions.

NGF, a protein naturally produced by ocular tissue, is an essential neurotrophin that induces proliferation, migration, and differentiation of corneal epithelial cells which is important in maintaining corneal integrity, sensory innervation, and overall function. NGF is often viewed as the prototype for all neurotrophins (6,7)

Neurotrophic Keratitis

Neurotrophic Keratitis is a degenerative disease of the cornea caused by trigeminal nerve damage, which if left untreated, can lead to loss of corneal sensitivity, corneal epithelium breakdown, and even corneal perforation. The interaction between corneal nerves, epithelial cells/keratocytes, and the lacrimal gland mediates corneal homeostasis which is vital for optimal corneal health. Despite increasing awareness of NK as a distinct clinical entity, its management continued to be challenged by the lack of approved treatments, that specifically targets the root pathogenesis of NK.

Our researchers were the first in the world to develop an innovative method to produce the first topical biologic for the treatment of NK.

Scientific evidence on the role of endogenous NGF in ocular surface homeostasis informed our focus on the applicability of neurotrophins as a treatment for neurotrophic keratitis.

In recognition of the ground-breaking research leading to the development of rhNGF, the product was authorized in some regions with an accelerated path (information on the authorized medicinal products, including reference to their safety profile, can be found in the local versions of Dompé’s website).

The road ahead

At Dompé we believe that research into the neurotrophin family of proteins is still in its infancy. This is why we believe that our dedication to eye care is only the first step. Our ambition is to identify and produce new and effective drug development in different therapeutic indications to offer patients new options for treatment in areas of high unmet medical need.

NGF Pipeline

Platform - Asset	Indication	Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Post-Market
Ophtha - NGF	Front-of-the-eye: Neurotrophic Keratitis
Ophtha - NGF	Front-of-the-eye: Sjogren-related Dry Eye
Ophtha - NGF Intravitreal	Back-of-the-eye

Ophtha - NGF

Indication: Front-of-the-eye: Neurotrophic Keratitis

Project Status:

Phase 1:
Phase 2:
Phase 3:
Post-Market:

Ophtha - NGF

Indication: Front-of-the-eye: Sjogren-related Dry Eye

Project Status:

Phase 1:
Phase 2:
Phase 3:
Post-Market:

Ophtha - NGF Intravitreal

Indication: Back-of-the-eye

Project Status:

Phase 1:
Phase 2:
Phase 3:
Post-Market:

Neurotrophins, a science-driven excellence

Neurotrophic Keratitis

The road ahead

NGF Pipeline

References