Nanoscope Therapeutics, Inc. has announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted a key patent for its proprietary multi-characteristic opsin (MCO) technology platform, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of optogenetic therapies for vision restoration.
Advancing Vision Restoration Through Optogenetics
Optogenetics is an emerging technology that combines genetic engineering with light-based stimulation to control cellular activity. In the field of ophthalmology, this approach is gaining traction as a promising solution for restoring vision in patients with retinal degenerative diseases.
Nanoscope’s MCO platform builds on this concept by enabling retinal cells to become responsive to light, offering a novel therapeutic pathway for individuals experiencing vision loss.
What Makes the MCO Technology Unique?
The company’s MCO-based approach works by converting dense bipolar retinal cells into light-sensitive cells while preserving the eye’s natural visual processing circuitry. This allows the therapy to bypass or supplement damaged photoreceptors one of the primary causes of vision loss in retinal disorders.
Key advantages of the platform include:
- Broad spectral sensitivity
- Fast response kinetics
- Activation through ambient light (eliminating the need for external devices)
Details of the Patent
The patent, U.S. Patent No. 12,459,977, was first filed in November 2021 and officially granted on November 4, 2025. It recognizes Nanoscope’s MCO platform as a novel synthetic opsin technology for optogenetic modulation.
The invention is credited to Samarendra Mohanty, co-founder and chief scientific officer, and Subrata Batabyal, director of nonclinical development at the company.
This patent provides extensive protection for therapies targeting retinal degenerative conditions such as:
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Stargardt Disease
- Geographic Atrophy
The intellectual property protection is expected to extend through 2039, with potential extensions depending on regulatory approvals. The company has also secured patents in Australia and Japan, with additional filings under review in China and the European Union.
Pipeline Focus: MCO-010 Gene Therapy
Nanoscope’s lead investigational therapy, MCO-010 (sonpiretigene isteparvovec), is a mutation-agnostic optogenetic gene therapy designed to restore vision. It utilizes an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV2) to deliver the MCO gene directly into retinal cells.
The therapy is administered via a single intravitreal injection, making it a minimally invasive treatment option compared to traditional approaches.
Clinical Progress and Regulatory Update
MCO-010 is currently under clinical evaluation for both retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease. The therapy has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. FDA for its retinitis pigmentosa indication.
Nanoscope is in the process of submitting a Biologics License Application (BLA) on a rolling basis, supported by positive long-term data from its Phase 2b/3 RESTORE clinical trial. Recent findings include encouraging three-year vision improvement data, strengthening the therapy’s clinical profile.
The company expects to complete the BLA submission by early 2026, potentially positioning MCO-010 as the first gene-agnostic therapy capable of restoring vision in patients with advanced retinal degeneration.
Conclusion
The issuance of this patent underscores Nanoscope’s leadership in optogenetic innovation and reinforces its commitment to developing breakthrough therapies for vision loss. With strong clinical progress and regulatory momentum, the MCO platform could redefine treatment approaches for retinal diseases in the coming years.
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