EYE-003 is an orally active RPE65 inhibitor with an IC50 of 102 nM. EYE-003 regulates the visual cycle in mice by reducing 11-cis-retinal (11cRAL) synthesis and increasing all-trans-retinyl esters (atREs). EYE-003 suppresses scotopic ERG b-wave amplitude and exerts protective effects against retinal degeneration in Abca4⁻/⁻ Rdh8⁻/⁻ mice (a STGD1 model) by reducing retinal autofluorescent puncta and preserving outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness in a dose-dependent manner. EYE-003 can be used for the study of visual cycle-associated retinopathies, such as Stargardt disease type 1 (STGD1).
