Can Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Be a Treatment Option for Pediatric Eye Diseases?

ABSTRACT

A critical review of mechanisms of action and pharmacokinetics of nerve growth factor (NGF), including topical administration, and the studies showing the NGF treatment for anterior and posterior segment diseases in adult and pediatric population are summarized in our paper. Nerve growth factor is commonly used for many different ocular conditions in the adult population to promote nerve regeneration or cellular rescue. Clinical trials for recombinant human NGF have also treated several challenging ocular conditions, such as neurotrophic keratopathy, glaucoma, and retinitis pigmentosa with cystoid macular edema. The safety and efficacy of NGF have been demonstrated in pediatric patients as well. This leads us to consider new applications of NGF for the treatment of pediatric eye diseases.

KEYWORDS:

• Cenegermin
• Nerve Growth Factor
• Neurotrophic Keratopathy
• NGF
• Retinal Degeneration

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported that there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.