FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of ocular diseases. Specifically, the invention provides novel compositions and methods for the treatment of ocular diseases, particularly those characterized by aberrant vascularization.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Eye disease is a significant cause of morbidity in the U.S. and throughout the world. For example, diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common causes of vision loss in the world and age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of blindness in people over 50 in the U.S. While therapies have improved for many eye diseases, there is still a need for methods and compositions for inhibiting or treating eye diseases, particularly those characterized by aberrant vascularization.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the instant invention, methods for inhibiting, treating, and/or preventing an ocular disease in a patient in need thereof are provided.

The methods comprise the administration of at least one antibody or antibody fragment immunologically specific for RhoB. In a particular embodiment, the ocular disease is characterized by a lack of blood vessels (avascular pathology) around or near the optic nerve. In a particular embodiment, the ocular disease is characterized by abnormal or aberrant vascularization or neovascularization compared to a normal or healthy individual. In a particular embodiment, the methods comprise the administration of a composition comprising at least one antibody or antibody fragment immunologically specific for RhoB and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In a particular embodiment, the methods further comprise the administration of at least one other therapeutic agent or method for treating, inhibiting, or preventing the ocular disease concurrently and/or sequentially with the at least one antibody or antibody fragment immunologically specific for RhoB.

Compositions for the inhibition, treatment, and/or prevention of an ocular disease are also provided. The compositions comprise at least one anti-RhoB antibody or antibody fragment and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The composition may further comprise at least one other agent for the treatment, inhibition, or prevention of the ocular disease.

