The article reports on a novel class of photoswitchable small-molecule drugs developed by a research consortium led by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) that aims to restore visual functions in animal models of blindness caused by photoreceptor degeneration, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). These compounds, termed prosthe6, can be administered via injection or eye drops and function by targeting ON-bipolar neurons, effectively substituting for the lost photoreceptor cells. The treatment has demonstrated the restoration of saccadic eye movements in zebrafish larvae and innate light-avoidance behavior in blind mice under normal illumination levels, indicating functional light perception without the need for training or specialized equipment.
The mechanism of action involves a photopharmacological approach where the chemical structure of the drug incorporates a light-sensitive molecular switch. Upon exposure to light, the switch alters the drug’s activity, enabling the molecules to trigger signaling within the retina in a manner analogous to the normal visual process. The researchers describe these compounds as “molecular prostheses” because they restore retinal responsiveness to light without requiring implanted hardware or genetic modification. The study highlights the potential of this non-invasive, reversible, and mutation-independent approach to vision restoration, with the technology currently under patent protection and undergoing safety and formulation studies to extend the duration of restored visual function. The team is also collaborating with a spin-off company, Eyelumina, to secure investments for translational development and future clinical trials. Source