The novel triterpenoid RTA 408 protects human retinal pigment epithelial cells against H2O2-induced cell injury via NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation

Xiaobin Liu, Keith Ward, Christy Xavier, Jamieson Jann, Abbot F. Clark, Iok-Hou Pang, Hongli Wu, Redox Biology, Available online 19 December 2015, ISSN 2213-2317, doi:10.1016/j.redox.2015.12.005.

Study about RTA 408 for degenerative eye diseases. Currently there is an ongoing clinical trial for the FA. Although the work is focused on age-related macular degeneration, includes important insights on the action mechanism of RTA 408.

RTA 408 represents a novel class of therapeutics that has the potential to increase Nrf2 expression and thereby increase expression of antioxidant enzymes. RTA 408 is a member of the synthetic oleanane triterpenoid compounds. It is currently under clinical investigation for the prevention of cataract surgery-induced loss of corneal endothelial cells, prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, treatment of solid tumors including melanoma and lung cancer, and treatment of Friedreich’s Ataxia and mitochondrial myopathies. The present study investigates the connection between RTA 408 and the Nrf2 pathway as well as multiple antioxidant enzymes in RPE cells. This will help determine whether RTA 408 may serve as a potent therapy for AMD and other degenerative eye diseases.