Bogdanov P, Duarri A, Sabater D, Canz MJ, Isla-Magrané H, Ramos H, Deàs-Just A, Simó R, Hernández C
Topical Administration of Sitagliptin Prevents Retinal Neurodegeneration in a Model of Glaucoma Induced by Dexamethasone
Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Dec 20;27(1):48.
DOI: 10.3390/ijms27010048
IF: 4.9
RESEARCH GROUPS
Ophthalmology
28
Number of publications
50.00
%
% Q1
0.00
%
% D1
78.57
%
% Leadership
36.36
%
% Female Leadership
0.98
CROWN (2021-2025)
7.32
%
HCP10% (2021-2025)
53.57
%
% Open access
7.14
%
% International Collaboration
0
Highly cited papers / HCP 1% (2021-2025)
0
Publications in high-IF journals with high Altmetric scores
3
Number of Ongoing Projectes (total)
0
International ongoing projects
1
Number of New projects (total)
0
International new projects
11
Number of Active clinical Trials
4
Number of New Clinical Trials
1
Number of Theses
In 2025, the ophthalmology research group continues to advance ocular therapies through interdisciplinary collaboration. In partnership with Dr. Simó (VHIR), we identified sitagliptin eye drops as a potent neuroprotective therapy for glaucoma. With Dr. Sevcu (TUL, Czech Republic), we established the safety of cerium oxide nanoparticles for ocular microbiota. Furthermore, we validated the Lund MetS rat for diabetic retinopathy with Dr. Herance (VHIR), generated new hiPSC lines for Retinitis Pigmentosa, and collaborated with Dr. Loza (ICFO) to develop cellular-resolution 3D visualization for retinal organoids.
In the clinics, we participated in a Phase III clinical trial to evaluate an ocular implant developed by Roche. This implant continuously releases ranibizumab, an anti-VEGF treatment, and can be reloaded every 6 to 9 months. This approach aims to reduce the number of injections required and minimize discomfort for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD).
CORE/MISSIONS
- Innovative & Advanced Therapies
- Rare Diseases
- Transplant & Immunomodulation
PROGRAMS
TEAM
Group Leader
José García Arumí
Principal Investigator (PI)
Anna Duarri, Miguel Angel Zapata Victori, Anna Boixadera Espax, Miguel Ángel Arcediano, Marta Garrido, Marín Eric Kirkegaard Biosca
Researchers
Alfredo Pueyo Ferrer, Helena Brosa Morros, Jaume Rigo Quera, Alba Gil Loyo, Pere Marc Almagro Muriana, Ferran Casals Riera, Juan Antonio Escabias Azogue
PhD Students
Maddalen Zufiaurre Seijo, Helena Isla Magrané, Laura Natalia Distefano
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Nguyen NHA, Marlita M, Ramis J, Gomez-Gonzalez MA, Rysova M, Duarri A, Puntes VF, Sevcu A
Response of Ocular Bacteria Exposure to Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles in Eye Drop Formulation.
Curr Microbiol. 2025 Dec 10;83(1):68
DOI: 10.1007/s00284-025-04652-w
IF: 2.6
Canz MJ, Baguña-Torres J, Huerta J, Isla-Magrané H, Zufiaurre-Seijo M, Salas A, Hernandez C, Simó R, García-Arumí J, Herance JR, Bogdanov P, Duarri A
Diabetic retinopathy features in lund MetS rats
Exp Eye Res. 2025 Mar;252:110274
DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2025.110274
IF: 2.7
Zarranz-Ventura J, Garay-Aramburu G, Calvo P, Zapata MA, Arruabarrena C, Arnáiz P, García-Lunar P, Sararols-Ramsay L; FRB SPAIN study group
Treatment intervals with first-generation anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs: evaluating the unmet need in a real-world neovascular age-related macular degeneration national database.
Eye (Lond). 2025 Dec;39(18):3306-3313.
DOI: 10.1038/s41433-025-03996-8
IF: 3.4
Oliver-Gutierrez D, Subirà O, Zabalza A, Boy B, Marques-Soares J, Zapata MÁ
Sequential central retinal artery occlusion in two brothers: a fight to prevent blindness.
Doc Ophthalmol. 2025 Apr;150(2):105-110
DOI: 10.1007/s10633-025-10006-5
IF: 2.9
SELECTED PROJECTS
A new formulation of cerium oxide nanoparticles as adjuvant for retinal anti-angiogenesis therapy
Principal Investigator: Victor Puntes
Agency: AGAUR
Funding: 150,000 €
Period: 2023 – 2025
From molecular genetic diagnosis to advanced therapies to treat retinal degenerative diseases
Principal Investigator: Josep García Arumí
Agency: Instituto de Salud Carlos III
Funding: 123,420 €
Period: 2022 – 2025
Análisis masivo de datos de bioimagen para el desarrollo de terapias celulares para enfermedades degenerativas de la retina (Digital Retina)
Principal Investigator: Miguel Ángel Zapata
Agency: MINISTERIO DE CIENCIA E INNOVACIÓN
Funding: 188,760 €
Period: 2022 – 2025
Red de Enfermedades Inflamatorias
Principal Investigator: Josep García Arumí
Agency: Instituto de Salud Carlos III
Funding: 141,350 €
Period: 2022 – 2025
PATENTS
Solución coloreada, en particular, para su uso en métodos quirúrgicos para el tratamiento de los cuerpos humanos o animals
Priority Number: EP2827911
Priority Date: 12/03/2013
Applicants: 100% AL.CHI.MI.A. S.R.L
OPHTHALMIC TOPICAL COMPOSITION WITH CERIA NANOPARTICLES FOR TREATING DISEASES OF POSTERIOR SEGMENT OF THE EYE
Priority Number: EP21382320A
Priority Date: 15/04/2021
Applicants: 77.5% VHIR, 15% ICREA, 7,5% ICN2
OPHTHALMIC COMPOSITION WITH CERIA NANOPARTICLES FOR TREATING DISEASES OF POSTERIOR SEGMENT OF THE EYE
Priority Number: EP25383149.9
Priority Date: 23/10/2025
Applicants: VHIR, CIBER, ICREA, ICN2
DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
XXVII Jornadas de Investigación Fundación Lucha Contra la Ceguera
Place: Edificio de la ONCE, Barcelona
Date: 23/10/2025
Brief: Latest news on Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Speaker: Dr Miguel Ángel Zapata.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025
Place: VHIR
Date: 11/02/2025
Brief: Explanation of the laboratory work on vision-loss diseases to children aged 10–12.
Interview in BERRIA magazine
Place: Pais Basc
Date: 03/09/2025
Brief: Organoids have been a great advance in science.
Interview in Euskadi Irratia – Faktoria Magazin
Place: Pais Basc
Date: 10/09/2025
Brief: An explanation of what organoids are, how they are generated and their impact on biomedical research, highlighting the importance of integrating human models to develop advanced therapies.
