The deposition of A2E in the retinal pigment epithelium is postulated to contribute to pathology and vision loss observed in Age-Related Macular Degeneration as it is toxic and can induce major inflammatory responses within the eye (See http://www.fasebj.org/content/early/2004/03/05/fj.03-0289fje.long and http://www.pnas.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=24706818)
The production of A2E is a byproduct of the visual cycle and can be induced through genetically disrupting the function of the ABCA4 gene. This induces substantial levels of A2E in eyecups by 3-6 months of life. Utilizing this model, eyecro can deliver test agents through any route of administration (topical, intravitreal, subconjunctival, subretinal, retrobulbar, oral, intravenous, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal) and evaluate the therapeutic effect to reduce A2E formation as measured with specialized HPLC assays performed on eyecups.