NEWS
Co-founders of DUB Biologics Dr. Audrey Bernstein (left) and Tere Williams (right).
Science Is Art: Scarring of the cornea
Startup Spotlight- DUB Biologics' new therapy for corneal scarring could revolutionize treatment
DUB Biologics is developing a self-delivery siRNA that prevents scarring and inflammation by targeting knockdown of USP10, initially in corneal opacification applications.
Dr. Audrey Bernstein founded the lead anti-scarring target and produced the supporting data that enabled the submission of 2 patent applications. Together with Tere Williams’ expertise in immunology, marketing, and strategic planning, Bernstein and Williams co-founded DUB Biologics to develop their anti-scarring sdRNA therapeutic.
They’re hoping to change how corneal injuries and scarring that can lead to vision loss are treated. As inflammation is a major part of the scarring response, a mix of antibiotics and corticosteroids are often currently prescribed. Steroids produce inconsistent results and well-established adverse events that include cataracts and glaucoma. The available treatments are also extremely time-consuming; the current dosage for some prescriptions can be required as frequently as every 15 minutes.
DUB Biologics’ product is made of Self-delivery siRNAs (sdRNA) that can penetrate cells without additional reagents. One dose of sdRNA lasts 2-3 months to reduce inflammation and prevent scarring. sdRNAs circumvent the most difficult issues surrounding ocular drugs, the need for frequent dosing, and patient compliance. They plan to create an eyedrop a physician can administer to a patient when they are treating a corneal injury, either due to infection or physical injury that is likely to lead to scarring and vision loss.
They currently hold a method use patent for the knockdown of USP10 and a pending composition of matter patent on the human USP10-targeting siRNA. DUB Biologics is positioned to start Phase I & II clinical trials in corneal scarring/fibrosis. They’ve already shown anti-scarring and anti-inflammatory effects in several different types of lab models during testing.
DUB Biologics is also exploring applications and formulations of the same active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in dermal scarring and fibrosis. These 2 model systems are often used in parallel to test anti-fibrotic drugs, given their similarity in the biological underpinnings of healing.
Interested in learning more? Email info@dubbiologics.com to connect with DUB Biologics.
Corneal scarring is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that 23 million people suffer from unilateral vision loss due to corneal disease.
Above is a myofibroblast in culture. The actin is shown in red. This is the skeleton, called the cytoskeleton, that keeps the cell’s shape. The green dots are proteins that bind to each other under scarring conditions. The blue is the nucleus. (picture by Edward Boumil, PhD, in the Bernstein lab at Upstate)
UPSTATE GRADUATE STUDENT AMBASSADORS
A. Christine Tilstra Smith, Mohammad Anjum Shaik and Arpan Banerjee have been currently appointed as Ambassadors. Serving the University as a Graduate Student Ambassador provides the opportunity to assist in recruiting the newest PhD students to Upstate Medical University and the COGS family. Over the course of time as a Graduate Student Ambassador, we will provide leadership to prospective and accepted students, interact with admissions staff, build relationships with COGS Faculty and Staff and be a part of making an impact on Upstate, all while developing personally and professionally.
CONGRATULATIONS!! #BERNERS #CVR #UPSTATE