ITRI TODAY Winter issue 2023

Biotechnologies for Glaucoma, Wet AMD & Tumor

ITRI’s triumph at the 2023 R&D 100 Awards comprises eight accolades, with a significant emphasis on three groundbreaking biomedical technologies, marking a historic win for the Institute’s biotechnology sector. The biomedical innovations include the Novel Targeted Therapy for Glaucoma, the Coordinated Supra-Molecular Complex (CSC) for Wet AMD Treatment, and the Intelligent Radio Frequency Ablation (iRFA) for tumor therapy.

“It marks the fifth consecutive year that ITRI’s biomedical innovations have earned the prestigious R&D 100 Awards, showcasing the international caliber of Taiwan’s biomedical research capabilities,” noted ITRI President Edwin Liu. All three award-winning technologies have been transferred to Taiwanese companies, reflecting the Institute’s commitment to translating research into practical industrial applications. Notably, iRFA has been licensed to the ICT giant Compal Electronics, while the technologies behind the Novel Targeted Therapy for Glaucoma and the CSC for Wet AMD Treatment found their new home at Metagone Biotech.

Novel Targeted Therapy for Glaucoma

The Novel Targeted Therapy for Glaucoma , co-developed with TheratOcular Biotek, is a dual-target eye drop that significantly improves trabecular meshwork blockage and facilitates the drainage of aqueous humor to regulate intraocular pressure (IOP). The dual-target drug surpasses existing medications with three times the efficacy and overcomes prevailing limitations in managing ocular hypertension. In addition to its efficacy in treating glaucoma, it is suitable for individuals with elevated intraocular pressure.

Given that approximately half of glaucoma patients develop resistance within three years, this novel eye drop fills the treatment gap for those who have experienced treatment failure with initial medications. Administered once daily, it minimizes drug exposure to conjunctival tissue and mitigates common side effects such as irritation and inflammation. This in turn provides patients with a safer and more effective treatment option and better safety profiles in glaucoma management.

Coordinated Supra-Molecular Complex (CSC) for Wet AMD Treatment

Also co-developed with TheratOcular Biotek, the CSC for Wet AMD Treatment transforms the existing wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treatment by replacing invasive injections with a non-intrusive eye drop, significantly reducing the risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, and anxiety associated with ocular needle injections. Its exceptional drug delivery to the posterior eyeball negates the need for lifelong eye injection, thus lowering the risk of infection and the need for frequent hospital visits. Empowering patients to take control of their treatment, this self-care approach enhances their overall quality of life.

Recognizing the potential of small molecules in advancing ocular disease treatment, ITRI has devoted its efforts to developing the Coordinated Supra-Molecular Complex (CSC) carrier technology, a critical component behind both the Novel Targeted Therapy for Glaucoma and the CSC for Wet AMD Treatment. This versatile technology can be applied to address other posterior ocular diseases, including dry AMD, posterior uveitis, and macular edema, offering versatile treatment options.

Intelligent Radio Frequency Ablation (iRFA)

iRFA, co-developed with Compal Electronics, is an advanced radiofrequency ablation (RFA) system integrated with an ultrasonic real-time imaging module. With this advantage, iRFA can perform electrode insertion guidance and postoperative ablation confirmation. Its adjustable RF electrode makes it easier for surgeons to adjust the ablation volume and direction, enabling pinpoint ablating accuracy. It treats solid tumors in the liver, lungs, pancreas, or thyroid nodules, as well as cardiovascular and neurological diseases, with smaller wounds and shorter recovery time. Beyond its current applications, iRFA can potentially be extended to breast and orthopedic tumor ablation and even robotic-assisted surgery.