Jan 26, 2026
i-RNA Corporation is proud to announce the publication of a new peer-reviewed research article in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (IOVS), a leading journal in vision science. The paper, titled “Silencing of lncRNA HOTAIR Using Eyedrops as a Potential Treatment for Diabetes-Associated Retinal Dysregulation and Dysfunction,” reports preclinical findings supporting a non-invasive RNA-based therapeutic strategy for diabetic retinopathy (DR) using topical ocular delivery.
The study investigates a GalNAc-modified siRNA targeting the long non-coding RNA HOTAIR, which is upregulated in the retina in diabetes and regulates multiple pathogenic factors, including VEGF. In vitro, GalNAc-modified siHOTAIR effectively entered human retinal endothelial cells and inhibited glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction by blocking multiple factors, including VEGF-A. In vivo, topically delivered GalNAc-siRNA localized to the retina and prevented diabetes-induced pathological retinal changes, with efficacy reported as comparable to intravitreal injection. Together, these findings suggest that GalNAc-modified siHOTAIR may offer a broader, mechanism-driven approach beyond anti-VEGF monotherapy, while enabling delivery via a non-invasive topical route for diabetic retinopathy.
This publication represents an important scientific milestone for i-RNA Corporation and contributes to the growing body of peer-reviewed evidence supporting RNA-based therapeutic strategies and novel ocular delivery approaches.
Publication Details
Journal: Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (IOVS)
Title: Silencing of lncRNA HOTAIR Using Eyedrops as a Potential Treatment for Diabetes-Associated Retinal Dysregulation and Dysfunction
Published: January 2026
DOI: 10.1167/iovs.67.1.24
The full article is available on the IOVS website: https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2811352