CRMQ, a Mexican medical center specializing in retinal diseases, has developed a nanotechnology-based drug delivery platform for the eye. This innovation, highlighted in their recent WIPO Magazine interview, offers a new, more accessible treatment for common eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Recognized as one of the seven winners of the WIPO Global Awards 2023, CRMQ’s breakthrough addresses a major global health concern.
Founded by ophthalmologist and retinal surgeon Arturo Santos in 1996, CRMQ focuses on conditions leading to irreversible blindness. With over 20 million people in Mexico suffering from diabetes and at risk of diabetic retinopathy, the center’s work is crucial. Their new platform encapsulates medication in liposomes, allowing for effective treatment through eye drops, a more patient-friendly method compared to traditional injections.
CRMQ’s nanotechnology platform offers significant benefits, including improved patient comfort and lower treatment costs. It enables sustained drug delivery through regular eye drop use, contrasting with the high concentration and invasiveness of injections. This approach is not only more accessible but also economical, which is particularly important in regions with high diabetes incidence but limited healthcare systems.
The center’s commitment to innovation extends to their IP strategy, ensuring the protection and commercialization of their research. Through strategic partnerships and a focus on real-world impact, CRMQ aims to bring their treatments to a wider population, starting with the estimated 20 million diabetes patients in Mexico. They plan to expand distribution beyond Mexico in collaboration with OPKO Health, leveraging their global presence and expertise.