Abstract: Since high myopia increases the risks of retinal detachment, myopic chorioretinal atrophy, myopic choroidal neovascularization, glaucoma, and cataract, establishment of prophylaxis against the progress of myopia is desired. However, at present, there is no effective prophylaxis or therapy for axial myopia, which is considered to cause high myopia. The present invention, which was completed based on the finding that Rho kinase inhibitors have an inhibitory action on axial length extension, provides a prominently effective prophylactic or therapeutic agent comprising a Rho kinase inhibitor as an active ingredient for axial myopia.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for treating diseases and conditions, which are associated with an abnormal PDGF level or response, such as cell proliferation, cell migration, extracellular matrix synthesis and secretion, and cell contraction. Exemplary diseases or disorders include cell proliferative diseases and fibrotic diseases. Exemplary fibrotic diseases include those resulting from a wound healing process, such as excessive scarring and PVR. Generally, the method comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutically efficient amount of a nucleic acid encoding a mutated PDGFR. The invention further provides gel contraction assays for identifying compounds for treating or preventing the development of diseases involving cell contraction, e.g., fibrotic diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for treating diseases and conditions, which are associated with an abnormal PDGF level or response, such as cell proliferation, cell migration, extracellular matrix synthesis and secretion, and cell contraction. Exemplary diseases or disorders include cell proliferative diseases and fibrotic diseases. Exemplary fibrotic diseases include those resulting from a wound healing process, such as excessive scarring and PVR. Generally, the method comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutically efficient amount of a nucleic acid encoding a mutated PDGFR. The invention further provides gel contraction assays for identifying compounds for treating or preventing the development of diseases involving cell contraction, e.g., fibrotic diseases.