Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is marked by progressive degeneration of the monolayer of endothelial cells on the inner surface of the cornea. Extracellular matrix accumulates between the corneal stroma and the endothelial layer at Descemets membrane, leading to corneal edema, loss of optical quality, and decreased vision. FECD is slowly progressive, and patients do not seek treatment until the endothelial layer is badly degenerated. Transplantation is the only current treatment. However, donor corneas are in limited supply, surgical complications can be significant, and transplants due to endothelial dystrophy have a higher long-term failure rate. A more optimal therapy would avoid the need for transplantation altogether. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) have been shown to stimulate proliferation and migration of human corneal endothelial cells in vitro and have the potential to be regenerative therapies in vivo. However, the application of wild type FGFs as therapeutics is limited by poor stability and pharmacokinetics. The lead collaborators have developed an engineered fibroblast growth factor (eFGF) that has demonstrated improved stability and potency in preclinical studies. TRND scientists are developing a production process, conducting pre-clinical safety studies, and manufacturing and formulating clinical-grade material to enable the collaborator to submit an Investigational New Drug application to the Food and Drug Administration.
