TREATMENT OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY USING PHARMACEUTICAL AGENTS THAT ELIMINATE SENESCENT CELLS

This invention is based on the discovery that many eye conditions associated with aging are mediated at least in part by cells bearing a senescent phenotype. Senescent cells accumulate with age, and express factors that contribute to the pathophysiology of age related conditions. The data show that in age-matched patients, the severity of age-related conditions correlates with the abundance of senescent cells, and that clearing senescent cells can help abrogate the condition. Small molecule drugs that remove senescent cells from affected tissue in the eye are provided as part of this invention that have special efficacy in treating ophthalmic conditions. They not only inhibit progression of the disease, they can also reverse some of the pathophysiology - such as neovascularization and vaso-obliteration - that lead to vision loss. These senolytic agents have an appropriate dose and specificity profile to be effective in the clinical management of previously intractable ophthalmic conditions.