SIPRAD is Singapore’s strategic response to the unmet medical needs of the global population suffering vision loss due to retinal angiogenic diseases (RAD). Retinal angiogenic diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) represent the leading causes of vision impairment in developed countries.
To develop an industry standard platform in retinal angiogenic diseases that leverages SERI & IMCB’s complementary expertise in clinical and pre-clinical science, with an aim to identify and validate novel biomarkers and targets, and evaluate potential anti-angiogenic therapeutics in partnership with the pharmaceutical industry.
To conduct clinical studies in order to identify new biomarkers and targets underlying RAD
To investigate a portfolio of 10-20 previously identified targets, and to validate their roles in RAD; to establish new relevant RAD animal models based on the most promising new targets
To collaborate with industry in drug repurposing for RAD
Large, well characterized population-based studies with cohorts of AMD and DR subjects with biosamples are available
Prospective data from this existing clinical cohorts would fast track clinical development
Ability to rapidly execute clinical recruitment and trials with an established & experienced clinical research team
Extensive relationships with local & overseas institutions enabling multicentre efforts
The Genetics of AMD is Asians (GAMA) consortium with 6,300 nAMD cases and 16,000 controls from around Asia
Clinical, Imaging and blood biomarkers can be used to identify potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets
State-of-the-art animal facility with small and large animal models for retinal diseases
Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (wAMD)
Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (dAMD)
Diabetic Retinopathy
Venous Occlusion & Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
Type I diabete
Type II diabetes
World Class Retinal Imaging and Ocular Grading Centre
Leverage and align SERI & IMCB expertise to create a unique, “Target to Clinic” platform
Clinical expertise and access (data, samples, cohorts)
State of the art animal facility aligns preclinical and clinical readouts
Integration of target/biomarker identification, pathway analysis and pre-clinical animal models for drug repurposing and MoA
Establish industry alignment
Adopt industry standards (timelines, milestones, deliverables)
Focus on communication
Culture of urgency
Hires with industry experience
Assoc Prof Gemmy Cheung (PI)Prof Wong Tien Yin Dr Gavin TanProf Cheng Ching-Yu Dr Amutha Barathi Veluchamy Assoc Prof Yasuo YanagiDr Zhou LeiDr Srivani Sistla
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