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

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionRetinal degenerative diseases
Key MechanismsInhibition of valosin-containing protein (VCP) to preserve photoreceptor structure and function
Target PopulationPatients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs)
Care SettingPreclinical research using organotypic retinal explants

Key Highlights

  • ML240 shows a comprehensive preclinical safety profile across species.
  • Retinal explants from pigs, macaques, and humans were used for evaluation.
  • ML240 was tested both as a free compound and in nanoparticle form.
  • The study supports ML240 as a mutation-independent therapeutic candidate.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Utilize organotypic retinal explants for safety and efficacy assessments.

Management

  • Consider ML240 for therapeutic development in retinal degenerative diseases.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Assess photoreceptor viability and microglial reactivity in explants.

Risks

  • Monitor for potential toxicity associated with VCP inhibition.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Individuals diagnosed with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs)

ML240 may provide neuroprotective effects without the toxicity seen in traditional models.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Incorporate large-animal and human-derived models in preclinical studies.
  • Evaluate drug delivery strategies to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity.

References

Original Source(s)

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