ECM Therapeutics Collaborates with the University of Pittsburgh Vision Institute to Advance Technology for Optic Nerve Repair

ECM Therapeutics announced a collaboration with the Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration at the UPMC and Pitt Vision Institute to leverage a platform technology called Matrix Bound Nanovesicles (MBV) that has recently shown potential to promote restoration of injured optic nerves, opening doors for clinical translation to treat various ocular pathologies.

The Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration is led by José-Alain Sahel, MD, a distinguished professor and chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

MBV are a distinct class of extracellular vesicles embedded within the extracellular matrix (ECM) that are enriched in pro-resolving lipids, anti-inflammatory protein, and miRNA cargo. MBV distinctly differ from exosomes, a separate class of extracellular vesicles found in most body fluids. MBV modulate the immune response without immune suppression; specifically, promoting a transition in immune cell phenotype from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory and pro-remodeling functions.

The collaboration between ECM Therapeutics and the Louis J. Fox Center brings together extensive expertise in regenerative medicine and ophthalmic research. The combined resources of the two entities will address the formidable challenge of restoring vision following optic nerve damage.

"The partnership with ECM Therapeutics marks an exciting milestone in our quest to develop transformative treatments for optic nerve-related disorders," said Dr. Sahel. "Our team, led by Takaaki Kuwajima and the leadership of the Fox Center (Drs. John Ash and Larry Benowitz), are eager to harness our collective expertise to push the boundaries of regenerative medicine and pave the way for new innovative optic therapies."

The collaboration between ECM Therapeutics and the Fox Center will also pursue use of MBV technology in other ocular applications, including a study using an MBV-formulated eye drop to treat corneal ulcers.

For more information on ECM Therapeutics, visit www.ecmtherapeutics.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.