Life Biosciences Begins Human Trial of Cellular Rejuvenation Drug for Optic Nerve Conditions
A Boston-based company has started dosing adults in the first human study of ER-100, a therapy designed to restore function in optic-nerve cells damaged by glaucoma or NAION. The trial will track safety and side effects in roughly 18 participants over the next year.
WiredLife Biosciences has administered its first dose of ER-100 to a human participant. The drug is intended to rejuvenate optic-nerve cells that transmit visual signals from the eye to the brain. The company is conducting the study in about 18 adults who have glaucoma or non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.
Researchers will monitor participants for safety and side effects during the one-year trial period. ER-100 previously restored vision in monkeys. It is the first cellular-rejuvenation therapy of its kind to receive FDA clearance for human testing.
Background on the Technology Life Biosciences states that ER-100 works by restoring epigenetic information that cells lose during aging. The company is also exploring uses of the same platform for other age-related conditions, including fatty liver disease.
“Our research has suggested that aging is driven in large part by the loss of epigenetic information, not irreversible damage. This clinical study represents the first opportunity to test whether restoring that information can ameliorate human disease,” a Life Biosciences cofounder said.
