Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD) Solutions
Understanding Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD)
Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD) is a progressive genetic disorder that affects the cornea’s innermost layer, the endothelium. As endothelial cells degenerate, the cornea swells, leading to vision impairment, discomfort, and eventual blindness if untreated. Mutations in genes like TCF4 and SLC4A11 are commonly associated with FECD, contributing to cellular dysfunction and fluid imbalance in the cornea.
At Muriphys, we provide comprehensive preclinical research services to develop innovative therapies aimed at halting or reversing the progression of FECD, including cell-based therapies, gene editing, and pharmacological treatments.
Precision Drug Delivery for Ocular Models
Targeted delivery is essential for treating FECD and minimizing systemic side effects. Muriphys specializes in precise ocular drug administration techniques, ensuring effective compound distribution to the cornea:
- Intracameral (IC) Injection – Direct delivery into the anterior chamber for localized treatment of endothelial cells.
- Intravitreal (IVT) Injection – Targets the posterior segment of the eye for broader distribution.
- Topical Administration (Eye Drops) – Non-invasive delivery for repeated dosing regimens, simulating patient use.
- Subconjunctival Injection – Facilitates sustained drug release to the corneal region.
These methods allow for flexible delivery approaches, accommodating a range of therapeutic modalities from gene therapy to small molecules.
Imaging and Functional Assays
Effective treatment of FECD requires robust evaluation of corneal integrity and function. Muriphys offers advanced imaging and functional assays to monitor disease progression and therapeutic efficacy:
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Provides high-resolution imaging of corneal layers, enabling the assessment of swelling and structural changes.
These imaging techniques offer quantitative data crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of emerging FECD therapies.
Electrophysiology – Assessing Ocular Function
FECD can impair corneal sensitivity and visual clarity. Muriphys employs ERG (Electroretinography) and OCT-guided analysis to measure retinal and corneal function, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of visual pathway disruptions caused by FECD:
- ERG Testing – Evaluates overall retinal response, crucial for detecting downstream visual impairments.
- OCT Imaging – Tracks corneal edema and its effect on light transmission and vision quality.
Electrophysiology provides objective functional assessments, offering insight into the therapeutic potential of drug candidates in restoring corneal clarity.
Behavioral and Functional Vision Assays
To complement ocular imaging, Muriphys offers a range of behavioral and functional vision tests to assess the impact of FECD on animal models:
- Optodrum (Visual Acuity Test) – Measures visual performance and acuity, reflecting the degree of corneal haze or edema.
- Open Field Test – Evaluates visual impairment by tracking exploratory behavior in low-light environments.
These functional tests allow researchers to correlate corneal pathology with visual deficits, improving translational relevance.
Why Choose Muriphys for FECD Research?
Muriphys leads the field in ocular disease research, providing tailored solutions that integrate targeted drug delivery, advanced imaging, and electrophysiological assessments. Our innovative approach empowers researchers to accelerate the development of treatments for Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy, transforming promising discoveries into life-changing therapies.
Contact us to explore how Muriphys can enhance your FECD research initiatives.
