Researchers at the University of Waterloo are working on developing new synthetic drugs that may treat eye diseases, as well as similar issues in other parts of the body.

The drug, developed by Sachdev Sidhu and his colleagues at the School of Pharmacy at Waterloo, aims to treat patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as well as diabetic patients at risk of developing diabetic macular edema (DME). Currently, the drug is in the trial stages in the United States.

According to the university, the drug activates a group of proteins that share information in the cell, improving the integrity of the blood vessels in the eye and preventing fluid accumulation in the retina.

Sidhu stated that the medications he and his team are working on are a new type, as they are focused on regenerating cells rather than looking for ways to stop their growth, as the latest drugs that have recently been introduced do.

He explained: “It's like building a car instead of blowing it up; it's very easy to stop things, but if you want to fix something, you need to know more.”

Sidhu also believes that there are many issues to which the drug can be applied.

For example, he mentioned degenerative diseases that prevent cells from growing adequately, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, osteoporosis, liver degeneration, and pulmonary fibrosis.

The researchers have already begun developing similar drugs to treat other parts of the body, including the stomach and lungs.

Sidhu confirmed that if the new drug is effective, it could be used to help treat irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, which affects tens of millions of people.

He indicated that the research team is also collaborating with Genentech on a drug to rebuild damaged lungs.

It is worth noting that the drug is currently in the first stage of testing in the United States.

According to Sidhu, the company conducting the testing in the United States is currently looking for patients suffering from eye diseases to test the drug.

He said, “Once they have enough patients to prove it is safe and effective, within four years, it will be ready for everyone.”