Team L&M

Delhi-based leading biotech company Vgenomics in association with Dr Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital have developed a unique tear-based biomarker, named VSP-2224. It can detect the eye disease keratoconus at an early stage.

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that affects the cornea (the transparent layer of the eye). It gradually weakens the vision and, if not treated in time, can lead to permanent vision loss. The current techniques used to detect this disease only become effective after significant corneal damage has already occurred, making timely treatment difficult.

More than two per cent of India’s population is estimated to be affected by this disease, and it is also spreading rapidly in MENA (Middle East and North Africa) countries. Hence, early and accessible detection of the disease has become more important than ever.

In this direction, a significant breakthrough has been achieved. Dr Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital has discovered a new protein biomarker VSP-2224, which is found in tears. It has been developed with the help of AI technology and the RgenX-LENS platform by Vgenomics. The key feature of this biomarker is its ability to detect the disease even before symptoms appear. It is completely non-invasive (requires no surgery or painful procedures), allowing early diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.

Dr Raheela Sardar, Founder and CEO of Vgenomics, said, “We are pleased to bring VSP-2224 into practice in collaboration with Dr. Shroff’s Hospital. This partnership will bring a major shift in the field of eye care.”

Dr Virender Singh Sangwan, Director of Innovation and Translational Research, said, “This biomarker can be a game-changer. It will help us develop a test that doctors can easily use, and which can also become part of treatment later on.”

Dr Anil Tiwari added, “This tear-based diagnostic method is not only simple and painless, but also extremely useful for early detection programs across the country.”

Currently, VSP-2224 is undergoing clinical validation among patients, healthy individuals, and those receiving treatment. In addition, Vgenomics is also developing a new diagnostic kit called OcuTear, which will be a fast and easy point-of-care diagnostic panel for surface eye diseases, with VSP-2224 being the key marker for keratoconus.

With this partnership and discovery, the care for keratoconus is becoming more accurate, faster, and patient-friendly.