New Delhi, May 28, 2025: Vgenomics, a leading Delhi-based biotech company has entered into an exclusive partnership with Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, one of India’s leading institutions in eye care and research to validate and commercialize a groundbreaking tear-based biomarker, VSP-2224, for the early detection of keratoconus, a progressive eye disorder that affects the cornea.

Keratoconus affects the structure of the cornea, leading to progressive visual impairment and, if left undiagnosed or untreated, can result in significant vision loss. Current diagnostic techniques that rely heavily on imaging often detect the disease only after significant corneal damage, limiting treatment options. With keratoconus estimated to affect over 2% of India’s population and rapidly growing in the MENA region the need for early, accessible screening has never been more critical.

In a promising development, Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye hospital has discovered VSP-2224, a novel protein biomarker found in tear fluid using RgenX-LENS, Vgenomics’ proprietary AI-based multi-omics biomarker and drug target discovery platform. This non-invasive biomarker offers the ability to detect keratoconus before clinical signs of corneal thinning appear, enabling earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.

“We’re proud to partner with Dr. Shroff’s Eye Hospital to bring VSP - 2224 into practice” said Dr. Rahila Sardar, Founder and CEO of Vgenomics. “This partnership marks a critical shift from late-stage diagnosis to early, preventive care in ophthalmology.”

Tear-based diagnostics are a game-changer,” added Dr. Virender Singh Sangwan,  Director of Innovation and Translational Research, “This partnership enables us to translate a tear-based biomarker into a clinically viable diagnostic test, with the potential to further develop it into targeted therapeutics.” Dr Anil Tiwari, further emphasized the benefits, noting, “Tear-based testing is non-invasive, accessible, and could be especially useful in early detection/screening programs across India.”

Clinical validation of VSP-2224 is currently underway in patients, healthy individuals, and those undergoing treatment. Vgenomics is also developing OcuTear, a rapid point-of-care diagnostic panel for ocular surface diseases, with VSP-2224 as its lead marker for keratoconus.

With this partnership and discovery, the future of keratoconus care looks more proactive, precise, and patient-friendly.

About Vgenomics

Vgenomics is a Delhi-based biotech company harnessing AI and multi-omics to accelerate the discovery of diagnostics and therapeutics for rare diseases. Its RgenX-LENS platform accelerates biomarker and therapeutic development, bridging genomic insight with real-world clinical application.

Vgenomics is transforming the way genetic diseases are diagnosed and treated. It is empowering clinicians, researchers, and pharmaceutical partners with products that enable faster, more accurate diagnoses and breakthrough treatments, shaping the future of personalized medicine.

About Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital

Founded in 1914, Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital is one of India’s premier institutions in eye care, education, and research. With a legacy of innovation and impact, the hospital provides world-class services across North India, with a strong focus on equitable and accessible care.