Evaluation of the safety and neuroprotective properties of the VCP inhibitor ML240 in large-animal and human retinal explants: a preclinical ex vivo investigation - Report - MDSpire

Evaluation of the safety and neuroprotective properties of the VCP inhibitor ML240 in large-animal and human retinal explants: a preclinical ex vivo investigation

  • By

  • Ana-Cristina Almansa-García

  • Angela Armento

  • Bowen Cao

  • Anne-Sophie Petremann-Dumé

  • Stefano Salmaso

  • Paolo Caliceti

  • Cristine Henes

  • Sylvie Bolz

  • Ellen Kilger

  • Daniela Süsskind

  • Marius Ueffing

  • Blanca Arango-Gonzalez

  • January 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Evaluation of ML240 for Retinal Neuroprotection

Overview

This study evaluates the safety and neuroprotective effects of the VCP inhibitor ML240 using organotypic retinal explants from pigs, macaques, and humans. The findings support ML240's potential as a therapeutic candidate for retinal degenerative diseases, highlighting its favorable safety profile.

Background

Visual function is crucial for daily activities, and retinal diseases can significantly impair quality of life. The retina's complex structure and function pose challenges for developing effective therapies, with a high rate of clinical trial failures. Utilizing large-animal and human-derived models can enhance the translational potential of neuroprotective strategies in retinal research.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the article.

Key Findings

  • ML240 demonstrated a comprehensive safety profile in retinal explants from multiple species.
  • Photoreceptor viability was preserved across species when treated with ML240.
  • Microglial reactivity was effectively managed with ML240 treatment.
  • The study confirmed the potential of ML240 as a mutation-independent therapeutic candidate for retinal degenerative diseases.
  • Encapsulation of ML240 in nanoparticles improved drug efficacy and reduced toxicity.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that ML240 could be a viable option for treating various retinal degenerative diseases, potentially addressing a significant unmet need in ophthalmology. Clinicians should consider the implications of using large-animal models in preclinical studies to better predict human responses.

Conclusion

The evaluation of ML240 in this study underscores its promise as a neuroprotective agent for retinal diseases, warranting further investigation in clinical settings. Continued research is essential to translate these findings into effective therapies for patients.

References

  1. Archives of Toxicology, 2018 -- Variations in Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Expression in the Adult Human Retina and Their Association with Retinotoxicity Induced by CDK Inhibitors
  2. Retinal Physician, 2018 -- SUBSPECIALTY NEWS
  3. Archives of Toxicology, 2021 -- Inhibition of MERTK through pharmacological means leads to retinal degeneration in vivo: an ocular safety evaluation using multimodal imaging techniques
  4. Retinal Physician, 2015 -- Genetic Therapies for Inherited Retinal Disease
  5. EURETINA, 2025 -- EURETINA IRD-Consensus Supplement
  6. Nanoscope Therapeutics, 2025 -- Groundbreaking 3-Year REMAIN Trial Data for Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa
  7. PMC, 2021 -- Pharmacological Inhibition of the VCP/Proteasome Axis Rescues Photoreceptor Degeneration in RHOP23H Rat Retinal Explants
  8. https://eplatform.euretina.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/EURETINA_IRD-Consensus-Supplement.pdf
  9. Nanoscope Announces Groundbreaking 3-Year REMAIN Trial Data for Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa at 2025 Euretina Congress and Retina Society Annual Scientific Meeting - Nanoscope Therapeutics
  10. Pharmacological Inhibition of the VCP/Proteasome Axis Rescues Photoreceptor Degeneration in RHOP23H Rat Retinal Explants - PMC

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