Skye Bioscience inc (OTCQB:SKYE) announced that in a preclinical study assessing the neuroprotective properties of its SBI-100 ophthalmic nanoemulsion, the treated group demonstrated a trend of retaining the greater function of the eye’s retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) versus vehicle control.
RGCs are cells that process and transmit visual information to the brain.
“There is broad scientific evidence demonstrating the neuroprotective properties of cannabinoids, notably THC, and these results from our proprietary THC-based drug candidate are encouraging,” said Punit Dhillon, CEO of Skye Bioscience in a statement. “As a leader in pharmaceutical cannabinoid development, it is imperative that Skye explore the broad mechanisms and potential benefits of cannabinoid drug candidates and we will continue our efforts on this path as we maintain our current focus on initiating our first-in-human study of SBI-100 in the second quarter.”
READ: Skye Bioscience CEO Punit Dhillon says company 'fast approaching' first-in-human Phase I study in 2022 for SBI-100
The San Diego-based company said that the study was conducted using an aggressive optic nerve crush (ONC) model in rats to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of SBI-100.
The ONC model aims to accelerate and stimulate the pathology seen in glaucoma using an acute mechanical crush injury to the optic nerve through a minimally invasive procedure. This crush injury triggers the death of RGCs and consequently the loss of their function.
A baseline assessment of the function and structure of RGCs was measured seven days before the crush injury was applied to one eye. The treatment groups received either SBI-100 or control beginning three days prior to injury and until seven days post-injury.
Measurements of retinal function were evaluated using pattern electroretinography (pERG), an electrophysiologic diagnostic test that measures the electrical responsiveness of RGCs to light stimuli. Results from this quantitative assay demonstrated SBI-100 treated animals showed a mean trend of higher function of RCGs compared to untreated animals.
“The apparent difference in function as measured by pERG at day 7 between SBI-100 ophthalmic emulsion and vehicle control is very interesting and deserves further investigation. Although other measures do not appear to demonstrate differences in this particular model, we remain encouraged by the results of this preliminary study,” said Tu Diep, chief development officer.
He added: “Our research and development team, in collaboration with our advisors, intend to undertake further steps to interrogate the neuroprotective benefits of SBI-100 through other models of glaucoma and neurodegeneration.”
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease of RGCs associated with degeneration of the optic nerve that leads to vision loss. The only addressable risk factor in glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) at the moment.
While pharmacological and surgical interventions can lower IOP and slow disease progression, they do not address underlying RGC degeneration.
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