Advancing ophthalmic research through national, international, and EU collaborations

At Experimentica, we actively contribute to research initiatives funded not only by the European Union, but also through national and international funding programs. Leveraging our expertise in preclinical ophthalmic models, we participate in collaborative projects that accelerate the development of novel therapies for ocular diseases. Our team brings deep experience in both in vitro and in vivo models, supporting drug discovery and translational research. We are committed to advancing scientific innovation through strong partnerships with academia, industry, and research institutions. Through our engagement in EU-funded consortia as well as other public and private funding schemes, we aim to drive impactful discoveries that lead to real-world clinical applications.

On-going project

Laboratory expansion, Kuopio, Finland

Experimentica Ltd. is implementing a laboratory expansion project in Kuopio, Finland. The project includes the establishment and commissioning of in vivo laboratory facilities and a corresponding increase in operational capacity of its ophthalmology research services. The project has received co-funding from the European Union.

A key scientific advancement in the expansion is the introduction of rabbit models at the Kuopio site, complementing the already existing offer of efficacy and toxicology models in rabbits provided by Experimentica‘s Vilnius, Lithuania site. This project will strengthen company‘s position in global markets and enhance its competitiveness by offering clients broader, more comprehensive, and higher-quality research services. Within the project, new equipment will be acquired, specialized staff will be recruited, and business development and marketing measures will be introduced to support the company’s growth and expansion of its customer base.

On-going project

Export market development through participation in international events

Experimentica, UAB is securing the existing market positions and expanding export markets through the project „Export market development through participation in international events”. It is anticipated, that the funding will strengthen company’s position in key markets, including Japan, South Korea and the United States of America.

The project is implemented within the framework of the European Union fund investment program for the period 2021-2027, under the progress measure No. 05-001-01-11-04 „Implementation of measures to promote the growth of export competitiveness”, activity „Promotion of SME activity internationalization and identification of new export markets (Capital region)”.

The project has received funding from the EU Recovery and Resilience Fund and the state budget of the Republic of Lithuania under Grant Agreement No. 02-037-K-0021.

On-going project

NeoVasculoStop

Experimentica Ltd. and the NeoVasculoStop consortium have been granted 3 million euros under the European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder Open Program to develop a novel strategy of drug targeting that can enrich the therapeutic molecules selectively in retinal tissue, thereby increasing the drug’s safety profile. The research program is expected to generate a first-in-class oral medication that offers hope to patients of sustaining their vision for longer. The consortium members include Experimentica Oy, its subsidiary Experimentica UAB, Vichem Ltd., Semmelweis University and LC Innoconsult Ltd.

NeoVasculoStop will advance the development of innovative drug candidates against retinopathies, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR), impose significant societal and economic burdens, which are expected to grow with an aging population and rising diabetes rates. These diseases share a common cause: neovascularization, the abnormal growth of retinal blood vessels, leading to blindness if untreated. Current treatments involve frequent injections into the eye, which require specialized visits and are associated with substantial side effects. Oral medications could transform retinopathy treatment by reducing side effects, maintaining vision, cutting costs, and improving access to care.

To tackle this, we’ve created a method that delivers therapeutic molecules directly to the eye, increasing their concentration in retinal tissue. This approach utilizes biological mechanisms within the eye to activate the drug and bind it totheir receptors. We plan to test this strategy using VEGFR inhibitors, a key target in retinopathy treatment. Our approach could redefine drug delivery to the retina, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to current therapies.