Alimera Sciences, a developer of drugs for treatment of ophthalmic diseases, will work with Emory University researchers on potential eye treatments.
The agreement covers a class of compounds that could treat oxidative stress in the eye. Oxidative stress is caused by a reaction within a cell, tissue or organ to molecules produced by metabolism of oxygen.
One of the targets for treatment is age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. It is a degenerative eye disease that causes damage to the central retina and is the leading cause of blindness in people over 55 years of age.
Financial terms were not disclosed, although Emory would receive milestone payments and royalties if treatments are developed.
According to Alimera, oxidative stress is a “key aspect in both disease development and progression.”
The research will focus on a series of compounds that could act as an inhibitor to the oxidative process.
Intersouth Partners in Durham, N.C. is one of Alimera’s financial investors.
