R.P 2.2 An Organoid Platform and Cell-Based Platform for Ocular Therapeutic Development

Work to be Done

Up to three organoids will be developed: retina, cornea and lens. Retina: Enhance iPSC differentiation into retinal ganglion cells using biomaterials mimicking the extracellular matrix. Conduct multiomics analysis to assess retinal organoid formation and test genetic variants and therapies for high myopia. Cornea: Develop corneal and lacrimal gland organoids, optimizing growth methods to reduce production time. Lens: Create transparent lens organoids for anti-cataract drug screening and presbyopia prevention. These organoids will enter the market to enable rapid testing of drug candidates for prevalent ocular conditions including myopia (retina), dry eye disease (cornea) and cataracts/presbyopia (lens). Cells-on-a-Chip: Develop a model to simulate dry eye conditions using human corneal epithelial cells and immune cells to test drug efficacy, retention, and protection. This system will enable rapid screening of novel compounds.