131631Evaluating Novel Monoclonal Antibodies to Target ADAM15 for a Potential Novel Ocular Anti-Angiogenesis TherapyClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKEye diseases, characterised by the dysregulated growth of leaky blood vessels in the retina, are debilitating conditions that effect up to 800,000 people in the UK, particularly the elderly. In recent years, drugs which block the action of a molecule called VEGF have been developed and have transformed the management of these diseases by preventing the growth and leakiness of the blood vessels. Patients now not only maintain their vision, a third may even gain back a substantial portion of the vision lost prior to treatment. However, a third of patients do not gain vision and up to two thirds could experience better results for reasons partly due to the aggressiveness of their disease and partly related to genetic predisposition. Therefore, new therapies that can complement the action of existing drugs are urgently needed. The funding provided for this project will assess the feasibility of a developing a new therapy and evaluate the potential for a drug combination with VEGF blockers.