Ace Therapeutics specializes in the development of custom preclinical models to support your ophthalmic research. Our hyaluronic acid-induced glaucoma models provide a valuable platform for efficient drug discovery and therapeutic innovation in ocular hypertension and neurodegeneration.
Understanding Hyaluronic Acid in Glaucoma Pathogenesis
Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, is characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) due to impaired aqueous humor drainage. Hyaluronic acid (HA), a key glycosaminoglycan (GAG) of the extracellular matrix in the trabecular meshwork (TM), accumulates in glaucoma patients, contributing to outflow resistance and IOP elevation. HA-induced models can be used to replicate this mechanism, offering a physiologically relevant platform to study disease progression and therapeutic interventions.
Fig. 1 Light micrographs of transverse sections of a retina from a rat, in which one eye was injected with saline solution (A) and the contralateral eye was injected with HA during 10 weeks (B). (Moreno M C, et al., 2005)
Ace Therapeutics' Hyaluronic Acid-Induced Glaucoma Models
Our comprehensive suite of HA-induced glaucoma model services bridges pathophysiology and drug discovery. Based on our HA-induced glaucoma models, we offer a full range of preclinical services, including target validation, drug efficacy testing, and mechanistic studies.
Development of Hyaluronic Acid-Induced Glaucoma Models
Model Types
- Acute/chronic IOP elevation models
We induce transient or sustained ocular hypertension through intraocular HA injections (e.g., vitreal or anterior chamber administration). - Inflammatory glaucoma models
Our scientists combine HA with pro-inflammatory agents to help our clients study neuroinflammation and axonal degeneration.
Species-Specific Models
Our HA induction method, applicable in rodents, rabbits, and non-human primates, supports a range of preclinical research needs.
Modeling Techniques
We offer a choice of low or high molecular weight-controlled doses of HA to modulate IOP dynamics and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and our team of experts integrate our HA-induced models with genetic or pharmacological modifiers to help explore potential therapeutic targets and mechanisms.
Features of Our Hyaluronic Acid-Induced Glaucoma Models
- Reproducible IOP spikes and optic nerve head compression.
- Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) apoptosis and glial activation.
- HA-mediated inflammatory signaling.
Ace Therapeutics' Technology for Ocular Evaluation
We offer a comprehensive suite of analytical endpoints to provide in-depth structural and functional assessments of your investigational product within our models.
- IOP measurement
- Slit lamp examination
- Fundoscopy
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- Electroretinogram (ERG)
As a preclinical contract research service provider, Ace Therapeutics prides itself on providing high-quality, customized solutions for glaucoma research. Our expertise in hyaluronic acid-induced glaucoma models ensures that you receive tailored solutions and comprehensive support. Contact us to discuss your glaucoma development programs with our experts.
Reference
- Moreno M C, et al. A new experimental model of glaucoma in rats through intracameral injections of hyaluronic acid. Exp Eye Res, 2005, 81(1):71-80.