Debrecen4U August 5, 2025

Debrecen milestone in the treatment of retinal diseases

A groundbreaking study by researchers at the University of Debrecen has opened the door to new therapeutic possibilities for treating retinal diseases caused by abnormal blood vessel formation, a condition known as neovascularisation.

Published in the prestigious journal Redox Biology, the multi-year research reveals that retinal hemorrhage triggers the release of hemoglobin and heme, which reprogramme retinal cells to produce pro-angiogenic factors—fueling the growth of harmful new blood vessels. 

The team identified specific compounds capable of inhibiting this process, offering hope for patients suffering from conditions such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

“These diseases, if left untreated, can lead to severe vision loss or even irreversible blindness. Our goal was to explore the link between retinal bleeding and neovascularization, and we found a promising therapeutic target, “ Senior research fellow at the University’s Institute of Internal Medicine, Dr. Tamás Gáll said.

The research earned the Publication Award from the Gróf Tisza István Foundation for the University of Debrecen, recognising its scientific excellence and potential impact on ophthalmic care.

“This recognition is a great honor,” Dr. Gáll added. “It validates our work and motivates our entire team to continue pushing boundaries in medical research.”

Source and photo credit:dehir.hu