Jan 02, 2026
3 min read
A preclinical study published in the journal "Experimental Ophthalmology" found that a single molecule can maintain and regenerate synapses.
An experimental drug manages to preserve vision in mice with induced glaucoma and points to future trials in humans
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A preclinical study published in the journal “Experimental Eye Research” showed that a molecule capable of preserving and regenerating neuronal synapses prevents optic nerve degeneration in mouse models of glaucoma, one of the main causes of irreversible blindness worldwide.This advance, “if its safety and effectiveness are confirmed, could be transferred to patients in the years to come”.
An international team of researchers demonstrated that the experimental drug SPG302 "protects retinal neurons and preserves visual function in an animal model of glaucoma, one of the leading causes of incurable blindness in the world."This finding reflects a relevant change in approach, as it is not limited to reducing intraocular pressure (the basis of existing treatments), but also directly affects the neural mechanisms underlying vision loss.
The work, titled 'SPG302 protects retinal ganglion cells and preserves visual function by preserving synaptic activity in a mouse model of glaucoma', by Tonqing Bastola, Seungwan Choi, Xiao Shen, Keun-Young Kim, Peter W.Vanderklish, Alex T.Saraf and W-Jun, W-Jun, L.Journal 'Experimental Eye Research'.The research was conducted primarily at the University of California (USA) in collaboration with other US centers specializing in retinal neurodegeneration.
For the study, scientists used young mice with glaucoma, which was caused by a sustained increase in intraocular pressure.Animals were treated with SPG302 daily for eight weeks.At the end of the study period, the researchers observed increased survival of retinal ganglion cells, significant preservation of optic nerve axons, and preservation of visual function, assessed by electroretinography, even in the presence of increased eye pressure.
The study points to a key aspect of glaucoma "that has so far received little treatment attention: the early loss of synapses.""Before the neurons die, the connections that allow them to communicate begin to deteriorate," the report says.The SPG302 operates precisely at the critical point.As the authors point out, the treatment "preserves synaptic activity and prevents neuronal degeneration," which translates into functional protection of the retina.The drug "prevents synaptic degeneration and maintains the function of retinal ganglion cells despite persistently elevated intraocular pressure," the article states.
RESISTS THE RETURN RESULT
SPG302 is a small molecule with synaptogenic properties, meaning it can stimulate the formation and maintenance of nerve synapses.The compound was developed by the biotechnology company Spinogenix, and is already in the clinical research phase for other neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system, such as Alzheimer's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and some mental disorders.These data are important, as the authors explain, "Because they indicate that the drug has undergone preliminary evaluation of safety in humans."
The authors include ophthalmologist Robert N. Weinreb, one of the international leaders in glaucoma research, and experts in retinal neurobiology and translational medicine.These results "support the idea that synapse loss is an early and critical step in the development of glaucoma, and that intervening at this stage can prevent irreversible damage."
"The implications for clinical practice are still preliminary, but relevant," the research team notes.There are currently no specific clinical trials of SPG302 in glaucoma patients.Before a drug can be used in humans for this indication, it is necessary to "demonstrate that the effects seen in animals can be replicated in humans and that the treatment is safe and effective in humans over the long term."This process involves new phases of clinical trials and may take several years.
If these results are confirmed in humans, "SPG302 could become the first therapy specifically aimed at protecting optic nerve neurons and their synaptic connections, complementing or transforming the current approach to glaucoma."Thus, the study "reinforces an emerging line of research that suggests that preserving vision depends not only on controlling intraocular pressure, but also on preserving neural connections before vision damage becomes irreversible."
02 January 2026
