The over activation of the complement system is associated with a wide range of diseases affecting the eye, brain, kidneys, as well as leading to systemic conditions. Although perhaps not necessarily the cause of most diseases, it is widely accepted that an inappropriate run-away complement activation makes disease pathogenesis significantly worse.

The Clark lab has studied the regulation of complement around the body, and has developed a particular expertise in the regulation of complement in the extracellular matrix. The lab’s translational portfolio includes the development of novel complement modifiers that can be used as therapeutics in complement-mediated diseases of the eye, as well as around the body. We also help develop new diagnostic tools for complement driven disease and methods for patient stratification for future treatment.

Recently, our translational work has focused on the delivery of suitable complement modifiers to the human eye. These therapeutics have been specifically designed to function in the eye’s unique environment and architecture, and a spin-out company - Complement Therapeutics - has been formed to facilitate the transition of this work into the clinic and patients suffering AMD.