Disease models

Laser-Induced Geographic Atrophy

In 2019, Ibbett and colleagues described a laser-induced geographic atrophy (GA) model in mice. The lesion is induced using 810 nm diode laser. The resulted damage resembles human early phase GA-like pathology, providing a tool to study drug candidates for the advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The presence and progression of the pathological features, including gradual photoreceptor and RPE cell loss, are monitored non-invasively fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Additionally, we provide functional measurements with scotopic flash electroretinography (fERG), as well as histological and immunohistological stainings to assess retinal morphology.

Technical details

Animal species

Mouse

Method of induction

Lasering

Follow-up period

Typically 28 days (up to 60 days)

Readouts

– Lesion area and thickness (SD-OCT)
– Lesion development (FAF)
– Functional assessment (ERG)
– Histological and immunohistochemical staining for retinal morphology

Scientific excellence in every model

A reproducible and controlled method to study RPE and outer retinal degeneration and to evaluate efficacy of test articles for dry AMD

Multiple in vivo imaging timepoints using our latest state-of-the-art equipment allow comprehensive model follow-up non-invasively

Unbiased data analysis using proprietary AI-driven algorithms provides precise measurements of lesion area and retinal thickness to detect efficacy of test articles