Ace Therapeutics Unveils Customized NHP Models for Geographic Atrophy Drug Development

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Ace Therapeutics, a leading preclinical contract research organization, announced the launch of its validated and customized non-human primate (NHP) models designed for the preclinical study of geographic atrophy (GA), a severe late-stage form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The new models leverage Ace Therapeutics' expertise in ocular disease model development and are based on blue light-induced retinal degeneration, which mimics the phototoxicity-driven retinal degeneration observed in human GA patients.

Why it matters

Geographic atrophy is an advanced AMD subtype with limited treatment options, and current rodent models have limitations in translating research outcomes to humans. Ace Therapeutics' NHP models aim to address this critical gap, providing global biopharmaceutical researchers with a gold-standard tool for evaluating neuroprotective therapies and advancing the discovery of effective treatments for GA.

The details

Ace Therapeutics' blue light-induced retinal degeneration NHP model is established by exposing one eye of cynomolgus monkeys to blue light, with the contralateral eye serving as an internal control. The model is designed to reproduce key features of outer retinal degeneration associated with GA, enabling researchers to evaluate preventive and interventional strategies under clinically relevant dosing paradigms. The company's services extend beyond model induction to include a standardized, end-to-end protocol for testing the neuroprotective effects of candidate compounds.

• Ace Therapeutics announced the launch of its NHP models on February 18, 2026.