Ophthalmics

Our research began in unveiling the potential of the nerve growth factor (NGF).

Nerve growth factor (NGF) was discovered by the Italian neurobiologist, Professor Rita Levi-Montalcini, and her colleague biochemist, Dr. Stanley Cohen. In their research, Drs. Levi-Montalcini and Cohen uncovered that NGF plays a crucial role in the proliferation, differentiation and survival of sympathetic and sensory neurons (1).

In 2010 Dompé acquired the rights to research NGF-based treatments.  Following several years of research, our committed team of scientists developed a recombinant protein of human nerve growth factor (rhNGF). It is produced using an innovative process that was developed to create a stable form of the NGF protein, by taking specific sequencing of NGF and forming the final molecule in prokaryotic cells.

Our eyes are one of our smaller organs, but they are fundamental to experiencing the world.  There are several ocular diseases (2) that have significant impact on patients clinically and quality of life, and many of those conditions lack an approved treatment.

We are in the infancy of rhNGF-based applications within ophthalmology; there is much more to investigate. We are researching other possibilities for the use of rhNGF beyond the cornea and are eager to apply the expertise gained through drug development in ophthalmology to other therapeutic areas.

Our overarching focus remains on delivering therapeutic options to patients who suffer from debilitating diseases that have limited approved treatments.