Preclinical Retinal Disease Models: Applications in Drug Development and Translational Research

Retinal models play a pivotal role in translational drug development, bridging preclinical research and therapeutic applications for both ocular and systemic diseases. This review highlights the retina as an ideal organ for studying advanced therapies, thanks to its immune privilege, vascular and ne...

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Main Authors: Sudha Priya Soundara Pandi, Hanagh Winter, Madeleine R. Smith, Kevin Harkin, James Bojdo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Pharmaceuticals
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/3/293
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author Sudha Priya Soundara Pandi
Hanagh Winter
Madeleine R. Smith
Kevin Harkin
James Bojdo
author_facet Sudha Priya Soundara Pandi
Hanagh Winter
Madeleine R. Smith
Kevin Harkin
James Bojdo
author_sort Sudha Priya Soundara Pandi
collection DOAJ
description Retinal models play a pivotal role in translational drug development, bridging preclinical research and therapeutic applications for both ocular and systemic diseases. This review highlights the retina as an ideal organ for studying advanced therapies, thanks to its immune privilege, vascular and neuronal networks, accessibility, and advanced imaging capabilities. Preclinical retinal disease models offer unparalleled insights into inflammation, angiogenesis, fibrosis, and hypoxia, utilizing clinically translatable bioimaging tools like fundoscopy, optical coherence tomography, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography, optokinetic tracking, and electroretinography. These models have driven innovations in anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and neuroprotective strategies, with broader implications for systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and fibrosis-related conditions. By emphasizing the integration of the 3Rs principles and novel imaging modalities, this review highlights how retinal research not only enhances therapeutic precision but also minimizes ethical concerns, paving the way for more predictive and human-relevant approaches in drug development.
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spelling doaj-art-f1de2ddd65c94bf799dc377212a4db4e2025-08-20T01:48:45ZengMDPI AGPharmaceuticals1424-82472025-02-0118329310.3390/ph18030293Preclinical Retinal Disease Models: Applications in Drug Development and Translational ResearchSudha Priya Soundara Pandi0Hanagh Winter1Madeleine R. Smith2Kevin Harkin3James Bojdo4Medinect Bioservices Ltd., Belfast BT7 1NF, UKMedinect Bioservices Ltd., Belfast BT7 1NF, UKMedinect Bioservices Ltd., Belfast BT7 1NF, UKMedinect Bioservices Ltd., Belfast BT7 1NF, UKMedinect Bioservices Ltd., Belfast BT7 1NF, UKRetinal models play a pivotal role in translational drug development, bridging preclinical research and therapeutic applications for both ocular and systemic diseases. This review highlights the retina as an ideal organ for studying advanced therapies, thanks to its immune privilege, vascular and neuronal networks, accessibility, and advanced imaging capabilities. Preclinical retinal disease models offer unparalleled insights into inflammation, angiogenesis, fibrosis, and hypoxia, utilizing clinically translatable bioimaging tools like fundoscopy, optical coherence tomography, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography, optokinetic tracking, and electroretinography. These models have driven innovations in anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and neuroprotective strategies, with broader implications for systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and fibrosis-related conditions. By emphasizing the integration of the 3Rs principles and novel imaging modalities, this review highlights how retinal research not only enhances therapeutic precision but also minimizes ethical concerns, paving the way for more predictive and human-relevant approaches in drug development.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/3/293translational drug developmentretinal disease modelssystemic disease applicationpreclinical research
spellingShingle Sudha Priya Soundara Pandi
Hanagh Winter
Madeleine R. Smith
Kevin Harkin
James Bojdo
Preclinical Retinal Disease Models: Applications in Drug Development and Translational Research
Pharmaceuticals
translational drug development
retinal disease models
systemic disease application
preclinical research
title Preclinical Retinal Disease Models: Applications in Drug Development and Translational Research
title_full Preclinical Retinal Disease Models: Applications in Drug Development and Translational Research
title_fullStr Preclinical Retinal Disease Models: Applications in Drug Development and Translational Research
title_full_unstemmed Preclinical Retinal Disease Models: Applications in Drug Development and Translational Research
title_short Preclinical Retinal Disease Models: Applications in Drug Development and Translational Research
title_sort preclinical retinal disease models applications in drug development and translational research
topic translational drug development
retinal disease models
systemic disease application
preclinical research
url https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/3/293
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