Seeking Novel Disease Models of Macular Degeneration

Daiichi Sankyo, a global pharmaceutical company, is seeking disease models of macular degeneration-specifically atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Stargardt disease-that have high translational potential for clinical use. To this end, they are seeking disease models that are induced by fundamental pathological mechanisms known in AMD or that have demonstrated responsiveness to existing AMD therapies

Approaches of Interest:

• In vitro and in vivo disease models that are close to human disease states in terms of disease state inducers, gene expression, and pathology
• The model should meet at least two of the following criteria:
  • It is induced by factors that are strongly associated with AMD
  • It demonstrates concordance with human pathology, such as the development of CNV or localized RPE atrophy
  • It shows responsiveness to agents that have exhibited efficacy signals in AMD clinical trials, including complement inhibitors
• Research to evaluate the efficacy of drugs using above AMD and Stargardt disease models 

Out of Scope:

• Models that are not applicable to age-related macular degeneration or Stargardt disease
• In silico and AI powered models

Developmental Stages of Interest:

• Opportunities from basic research to preclinical research are within scope
• Opportunities with animal models or in vitro RPE cell models are of highest interest

Submission Information

Submission of one-page, 200–300-word briefs is encouraged, along with any optional supplementary information e.g. relevant publications. In submitting to this campaign, you confirm that your submission contains only non-confidential information.

Opportunity for Collaboration

Our client is open to a range of collaboration opportunities, with the most appropriate outcome being decided on a case-by-case basis. Example outcomes include licensing assets, project/PhD funding, and research collaborations.