Clinical trials

Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition that affects the ocular surface, leading to discomfort, tear film instability, and potential visual disturbances. Its global prevalence ranges between 5% and 50%, making it a significant cause of reduced quality of life and a growing burden on healthcare systems. Cataract, defined as a progressive opacification of the lens, remains the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide, responsible for about 33% of all cases, affecting an estimated 94 million people. Its incidence increases with age and is influenced by factors such as ultraviolet exposure, diabetes, smoking, and genetic predisposition. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face a disproportionately high burden due to limited access to surgical care. The economic impact of cataract is profound, including both direct costs (surgery, post-op care) and indirect costs (lost productivity, caregiver dependency), with global productivity losses estimated at $53 billion annually. Beyond economics, cataract significantly impairs quality of life, contributing to psychological distress, depression, loss of independence, and increased risk of cognitive decline. Addressing this burden requires integrated strategies that ensure equitable access to treatment, reduce financial barriers, and include psychosocial support. In parallel, emerging regenerative therapies such as stem cell-fortified eye drops offer new hope. These treatments, utilizing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), aim to restore ocular surface health in conditions like DED by reducing inflammation and enhancing tissue repair. The current study evaluates the efficacy of such drops in improving tear film stability, tear volume, and overall clinical symptoms using advanced diagnostic tools.

This study investigates the safety and efficacy of ACE Reno, an oral transmucosal solution containing standardized bioactive peptides and amino acids, in patients with nephropathy of various etiologies and stages. The trial evaluates whether 12 weeks of ACE Reno (1 mL sublingually four times daily) reduces albuminuria/proteinuria and stabilizes kidney function in participants with nephropathy due to diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune disease, reflux/UTI, chronic glomerulonephritis, unknown etiology, pre-dialysis CKD, or post-transplant proteinuria. Nephropathy remains a global health burden, with \~9-10% of the population affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD), equating to \>750 million individuals worldwide. The socioeconomic costs are substantial: in England CKD costs \~£7 billion annually, projected to rise to \~£14 billion by 2033; in Malaysia, prevalence rose from 9% to 15.5% within 7 years; in Egypt, CKD imposes heavy familial and financial burdens, especially for pediatric patients; in Turkey, CKD is among the top causes of disability, linked to the rising tide of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. ACE Reno is designed to address multiple drivers of CKD progression - glomerulosclerosis, fibrosis, endothelial dysfunction, and maladaptive RAAS/aldosterone signaling - through its peptide components that mimic antifibrotic (BMP-7, HGF, Klotho-like) and vasodilatory/cGMP-mediated (natriuretic peptide-like) pathways.

Summary of the Study This clinical trial evaluates a novel peptide-based therapy for treating retinal dystrophies, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy (DR). The therapy consists of peptides derived from fetal tissues, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and bioactive growth factors, administered sublingually for systemic absorption. Study Objectives: Primary Objectives: Assess safety and tolerability, and evaluate the therapy's effects on retinal function and structure. Secondary Objectives: Explore improvements in visual acuity, retinal thickness, vascular health, and disease biomarkers. Study Design: Type: Open-label, single-arm interventional study. Duration: 12 months. Participants: 150 adults, divided into three cohorts: Retinal dystrophies. AMD (dry and wet forms). DR (moderate NPDR and PDR). Intervention: A sublingual solution containing peptides and growth factors, taken 4 times daily. Outcome Measures: Primary Outcomes: Safety (adverse events) and tolerability (treatment adherence). Secondary Outcomes: Functional: Visual acuity and field sensitivity improvements. Structural: Retinal thickness and vascular health. Biomarkers: Serum VEGF, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers. Study Procedures: Monthly follow-ups for safety monitoring, vision tests, retinal imaging (OCT, FA), and blood biomarker analysis. Comprehensive evaluations at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Significance: The study aims to provide an innovative, non-invasive treatment for debilitating retinal conditions, potentially improving vision and retinal health through systemic therapy.