02146-A: Development of a Novel Drug Delivery System to Prevent Vision Loss in Canine Cataract Patients

Grant Status: Closed

Grant Amount: $12,960
Heather Chandler, PhD; Ohio State University
September 1, 2014 - August 31, 2015

Sponsor(s): Alaskan Malamute Club of America, American Belgian Tervuren Club, American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club Charitable Trust, American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation, Inc., American Pointer Club, Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute, Bichon Frise Club of America, Inc., Collie Health Foundation, English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association Foundation, Field Spaniel Society of America, German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America, Giant Schnauzer Club of America, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America, Irish Water Spaniel Club of America , Keeshond Club of America, Samoyed Club of America Education & Research Foundation, Inc., Siberian Husky Club of America, St. Bernard Club of America, Toby's Foundation, United States Australian Shepherd Foundation

Breed(s): -All Dogs
Research Program Area: Ophthalmology
Donate to Support this Research Program Area

Abstract

Cataracts are the most common cause of treatable blindness in dogs. Surgery is the only way to restore normal vision and although every effort is made to remove as much lens material as possible during cataract surgery, it is inevitable that some lens cells are left behind within the eye. These lens cells will move and multiply, resulting in the most common complication to cataract surgery, posterior capsule opacification (PCO). PCO interferes with light transmission and results in secondary vision loss in 80-100% of canine cataract patients. Unfortunately, there is no consistently effective treatment for PCO. Studies performed in laboratory animals have found that use of a commonly prescribed drug, Cyclosporine, can decrease PCO formation. Dr. Chandler believes that Cyclosporine may provide a safe, cost-effective and reliable option to prevent PCO. Using a laboratory animal model system, Dr. Chandler will evaluate the effectiveness of a novel gel-based drug delivery polymer to release Cyclosporine at the correct dose and time needed to prevent PCO. Post-cataract surgery, eyes will be treated with the delivery device releasing Cyclosporine while other eyes will be treated with the delivery device and no Cyclosporine. Dr. Chandler expects that her novel drug delivery gel will be able to release Cyclosporine for at least one week at the correct dose to prevent PCO. If successful, future studies will focus on incorporating Cyclosporine drug delivery in canine clinical trials, potentially providing ophthalmologists a new method of restoring and maintaining excellent vision in dogs that have been blinded by cataracts.

Publication(s)

None at this time.

Help Future Generations of Dogs

Participate in canine health research by providing samples or by enrolling in a clinical trial. Samples are needed from healthy dogs and dogs affected by specific diseases.

Learn How to Help

Get Canine Health News:
Please leave this field empty
American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, Inc

8051 Arco Corporate Dr.
Suite 300
Raleigh, NC 27617
(888)-682-9696

Tax ID# 13-3813813

  

© 2021 AKC Canine Health Foundation | Privacy Policy | Site Map

Site by Blackbaud, Inc.