NIH-Industry Collaboration Advances Gene-Agnostic Treatment for Retinal Disease
A new study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has shown promising results for reserpine—a medication originally approved in 1955 for high blood pressure—as a potential treatment to prevent vision loss caused by inherited blinding diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.
In preclinical studies, reserpine protected retinal neurons essential for vision, particularly in females. Unlike many investigational therapies that target a single genetic mutation, reserpine’s mechanism is gene-agnostic—meaning it could benefit a wide range of patients regardless of the specific mutation causing their disease. That broad applicability, combined with the low cost of an already-approved generic drug, makes this discovery especially impactful.
This work is a powerful example of what’s possible through collaboration between federal researchers and industry. By repurposing existing medications, we can bring forward safe, affordable treatments faster and more equitably—especially for rare diseases where few options exist and many patients are left waiting.
At EyeCRO, we’re committed to supporting scientific innovation that improves access to care. We extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Anand Swaroop and his lab for their collaboration and expertise—critical contributions that continue to drive meaningful advances in the field of inherited retinal diseases.