Key points from article :
A Florida State University researcher, James Frederich, is collaborating with Lento Bio to develop potential treatments for presbyopia. Presbyopia is a common age-related eye condition that causes blurred vision. It occurs when the lens of the eye loses elasticity, making it difficult to focus on nearby objects. As people age, the lens becomes less flexible, leading to blurred vision. This condition affects over 1.4 billion people worldwide.
Frederich's lab at FSU is focusing on medicinal chemistry to develop compounds that can reduce lens stiffness. These compounds are designed to be delivered as eyedrops and could potentially treat presbyopia. Lento Bio is sponsoring the research and has appointed Frederich to their scientific advisory board.
The collaboration between FSU and Lento Bio aligns with FSU's broader efforts to increase health research and partner with major healthcare systems. The university aims to provide faster healthcare solutions to the North Florida community. This partnership is a significant step towards achieving that goal.
According to Kris Barnes, CEO of Lento Bio, "Biomolecular crosslinks, particularly Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs, damage from sugar molecules) are a ubiquitous form of aging damage contributing to disease." Barnes believes that the rational design of small molecules to cleave or inhibit the formation of AGEs represents a crucial therapeutic milestone. This approach aligns with the research being conducted by Frederich and his team.
The team is hopeful that their research will lead to new treatments for presbyopia and other age-related eye conditions. This work could have a significant impact on the lives of millions of people worldwide.
