Nanoscope Therapeutics Secures Key U.S. Patent for Innovative Vision Restoration Technology

Nanoscope Therapeutics Inc., a trailblazer in biotechnology, recently announced a significant milestone in its mission to develop groundbreaking therapies for patients suffering from vision impairments. On January 7, 2026, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted the company U.S. Patent No. 12459977. This patent acknowledges Nanoscope’s proprietary Multi-Characteristic Opsin (MCO) platform as an innovative synthetic opsin designed for optogenetic modulation, a method that has the potential to restore vision in individuals with retinal degeneration diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease.

The newly granted patent provides extensive coverage for methods utilizing the MCO platform to aid those who have lost their photoreceptors. By leveraging its unique characteristics, the MCO technology demonstrates broader spectral sensitivity and rapid kinetics compared to traditional optogenetic therapies. Notably, it operates effectively in natural ambient light, eliminating the requirement for external light amplification devices, thus simplifying the user experience.

With patent protection extending until 2039 in the United States, Nanoscope Therapeutics is strengthening its position in the optogenetics field. In addition to the U.S. patent, Nanoscope has also secured similar intellectual property rights in Australia and Japan, while patents in China and the European Union are currently in the pipeline. These strategic moves not only bolster Nanoscope's global intellectual property portfolio but also ensure long-term commercial exclusivity in key markets, paving the way for future developments.

Sulagna Bhattacharya, CEO of Nanoscope Therapeutics, stated, "This patent represents more than an incremental IP milestone—it reinforces the strategic value of the MCO platform as a durable, first-in-class technology with broad clinical and commercial potential. This strengthens the foundation of our pipeline by extending market exclusivity, enhancing competitive barriers, and supporting multiple future indications built on a single, scalable optogenetic platform."

The MCO platform is a one-time intravitreal injection that does not necessitate genetic testing or invasive procedures, marking a significant development for patients with photoreceptor degeneration. As a disease-agnostic therapy mechanism, it facilitates the activation of densely packed bipolar retinal cells, allowing patients to continue utilizing the remaining visual pathways post-photoreceptor loss.

Nanoscope is presently advancing through critical phases of clinical trials, having initiated a rolling Biologics License Application (BLA) submission to the FDA, following promising outcomes from its RESTORE Phase 2b/3 trial targeting retinitis pigmentosa. If approved, the treatment will set a new standard by offering a one-time, non-invasive solution for patients. The company also indicated successful results from the STARLIGHT Phase 2 trial focusing on Stargardt disease, with plans for a Phase 3 registrational trial set to commence in early 2026.

The future appears bright for Nanoscope Therapeutics, with a Phase 2 program for geographic atrophy expected to kick off in the same timeframe. As they continue to push boundaries in the optogenetic space, many will be watching how their advancements hold promise for millions afflicted by retinal degenerative conditions currently lacking approved treatment options.