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  Fovea's technology platform originates from INSERM research unit 592. INSERM U592, specialized in cellular and molecular physiopathology of the retina, and directed by Pr José-Alain Sahel, has developed and is continuously enriching advanced high-content functional screening techniques to identify new genes, protein factors and small molecular entities that play a key role in protecting retinal cells from degeneration. Under a collaboration agreement with INSERM, Fovea benefits from the permanent support of the INSERM U592 team.
  Fovea's technology platform is built on two main principles:
 
  • Developing and/or adapting relevant models of clinical conditions in order to validate a key step in the initiation or progression of disease. Such models are later used for preclinical validation of targets or leads.
  • Establishing the corresponding high content screens :
    • The first is a unique set of primary retinal cell cultures (ganglion cells, RPE cells, etc.). This in-vitro model allows screening of potential products such as small molecules as well as the identification of target proteins through expression cloning. The technology has been successfully validated through research collaboration with Novartis that led to the discovery of RdCVF
    • The second employs genetic manipulation of drosophila in an in-vivo screening model for vision.

Characterization from observations
 in human conditions of (a) key event(s) leading to vision loss

Confirmation of this pathogenic concept on relevant animal models

Reduction of complexity by designing simplified in-vitro models of such events
 
 

Identification of putative pathways/targets/leads for protecting retinal cells from degeneration

Confirmation of such
candidates efficiency
on explant and relevant
animal models

Use of such model(s)
for high content
screening (expression
cloning and chemical
libraries/
candidates)






  

Translation into the design of relevant clinical trials
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