For millions of people living with diabetes, the fear of losing their sight is a silent, persistent shadow. Diabetic retinopathy, a progressive complication that damages the blood vessels of the retina, remains one of the leading causes of vision loss in working-age adults globally. While effective treatments exist, they are often invasive, expensive and emotionally taxing for the patient.
Now, a research team at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) is developing a non-invasive alternative that could fundamentally change the standard of care. By leveraging a naturally occurring molecule to prevent blindness in people with diabetes, the researchers are working toward a therapeutic eye drop that could replace the need for repeated injections directly into the eye.
The project, led by investigators at the Institute of Neurobiology, focuses on a molecule called vasoinhibin. Unlike current therapies that target a single pathway, this approach aims to block the uncontrolled growth of blood vessels—a process known as angiogenesis—which is the primary driver of severe vision loss in diabetic patients.
The challenge of diabetic retinopathy
To understand why these eye drops are significant, one must understand the pathology of the disease. In patients with diabetes, chronically high blood sugar levels damage the delicate capillaries of the retina. As these vessels leak or close off, the eye attempts to compensate by growing new blood vessels. However, these new vessels are fragile and abnormal; they often leak fluid or blood into the retina, leading to swelling (edema) or the formation of scar tissue that can pull the retina away from the back of the eye.
Currently, the “gold standard” for treating this condition involves intraocular injections of anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) drugs. While these medications are highly effective at shrinking abnormal vessels and reducing swelling, they require a needle to be inserted into the vitreous humor of the eye. For many patients, the prospect of repeated ocular injections is a significant psychological barrier, and the high cost of these biologics often limits access for those in lower-income brackets.
According to the World Health Organization, visual impairment is a major public health challenge, and the rising global prevalence of diabetes is expected to increase the burden of retinopathy significantly over the next decade.
The science of vasoinhibin
The UNAM research team, including investigator Juan Pablo Robles from the Institute of Neurobiology, sought a way to mimic the body’s own defenses against abnormal vessel growth. They turned to vasoinhibins—fragments of a larger protein called endostatin—which the body produces to naturally regulate angiogenesis.
Through detailed molecular analysis, the team identified that the anti-angiogenic activity of vasoinhibin is concentrated in just three specific amino acids. This discovery was the breakthrough needed to design a simplified, synthetic version of the molecule that is stable enough to be formulated as a pharmaceutical drug.
One of the most promising aspects of this new formulation is its breadth of action. While current injections primarily target the VEGF molecule, the UNAM-developed drug acts on multiple molecules involved in the growth of blood vessels. By blocking several pathways simultaneously, the researchers believe the treatment could be more effective and potentially provide longer-lasting results than existing therapies.
Comparing Current Treatment vs. Proposed Eye Drops
| Feature | Intraocular Injections (Current) | Vasoinhibin Eye Drops (Proposed) |
|---|---|---|
| Administration | Invasive needle injection into the eye | Non-invasive topical drops |
| Patient Experience | High anxiety; risk of infection | Low anxiety; simple application |
| Mechanism | Primarily targets VEGF | Multi-molecular target |
| Cost/Access | High cost; requires specialist clinic | Potential for lower cost and home utilize |
Impact on public health and accessibility
The implications of this research extend beyond the clinic. In Mexico, where diabetes rates are among the highest in the world, the ability to treat retinopathy without expensive, clinic-based injections could prevent thousands of cases of preventable blindness. A topical treatment would not only reduce the cost of care but also improve patient adherence, as people are far more likely to follow a regimen of eye drops than a schedule of ocular injections.
By simplifying the molecule to its most active components, the UNAM team is creating a pathway toward a more affordable generic-style medication, potentially democratizing vision preservation for populations that currently lack access to high-end ophthalmological care.
The road to clinical application
Despite the promising results in the laboratory, the treatment is not yet available for public use. The next critical phase is the transition to human clinical trials. These trials will be essential to determine the optimal dosage, ensure the drops can penetrate the ocular barriers to reach the retina, and confirm that the treatment is safe for long-term use in humans.
If the clinical trials prove successful, the researchers envision a global shift in how diabetic retinopathy is managed, moving from a reactive, invasive model to a proactive, accessible one. This could transform the quality of life for millions of people, allowing them to maintain their independence and productivity.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients with diabetes should consult a licensed ophthalmologist for the diagnosis and treatment of retinopathy.
The UNAM team is currently finalizing the protocols required to move their technology into the human trial phase. Further updates on the progress of these trials and the timeline for regulatory approval are expected as the research progresses through the university’s clinical review boards.
Do you or a loved one manage diabetic retinopathy? We invite you to share your experiences or questions in the comments below.
