Corneal Disease
Corneal diseases represent a diverse set of anterior segment pathologies that impact epithelial integrity, stromal clarity, and visual acuity, making them critical targets for ocular drug development and ocular pharmacology.
However, preclinical corneal disease models face translational challenges, including differences in wound healing, immune response, and tear film dynamics across species.
These can be mitigated through well-characterized in vivo models, multi-species validation, and quantitative imaging endpoints, enabling reliable efficacy assessment and improved clinical translation.
Neuropathic Keratitis
The neuropathic keratitis model is used in rodents to evaluate the efficacy of test articles that prevent the loss of corneal sensation and persistent epithelial defects that can progress to more severe complications. Our team of experts has developed reproducible models with consistent results in mice and rats.
Corneal Transplantation
The corneal transplantation surgical model is used in rabbits to evaluate test articles that prevent rejection of donor grafts. The model replaces a damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy donor cornea and has demonstrated consistent, reproducible results.
DWEK and DMEK
Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) and Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty without Endothelial Keratoplasty (DWEK) are advanced corneal transplantation techniques specifically targeting the endothelial layer of the cornea. This rabbit model is used to evaluate therapies targeting Fuchs’ dystrophy with consistent results.
Infectious Keratitis
Infectious keratitis model in rabbits is used to evaluate test articles that treat the serious condition caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, each requiring specific treatment strategies.