NIH

Peptide eye drops may protect against vision loss

April 3, 2025

An NIH-funded team led by Dr. S. Patricia Becerra at NIH’s National Eye Institute has been exploring the potential of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) to protect light-sensitive photoreceptor cells in the retina. Due to the large size of the full PEDF protein, the team designed smaller peptides that could reach the retina through non-invasive eye drops. In mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa, these PEDF peptides slowed vision loss and protected retinal cells. Further testing in human retinal organoids showed similar protective effects, suggesting that PEDF-derived eye drops could be a promising treatment for various degenerative retinal diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration.

The study demonstrated that the PEDF peptides could reach the retina within an hour of application and effectively slowed the degeneration of photoreceptor cells in young mice. Additionally, the peptides protected human retinal cells from damage caused by harsh chemicals, indicating their potential to mitigate retinal damage from genetic conditions, chemical exposures, or normal aging. With further research, PEDF-derived eye drops could offer a valuable interim solution for patients awaiting gene therapies and might also help protect against age-related retinal damage.

Source:

(2025, April 1). NIH. Peptide eye drops may help protect vision. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/peptide-eye-drops-may-help-protect-vision