Multi-Omics Insights into Systemic Molecular Alterations and Emerging Therapeutic Targets in Diabetic Retinopathy
Ruba A. Zenati1,2, Reem A. Qannita1, Ahmad Y. Abuhelwa1,3, Mohammad A. Y. Alqudah3,4, Shereen M. Aleidi1,2,5, Waseem El-Huneidi1,6, Eman Abu-Gharbieh1,5,7, Zainab M. AlShareef1,6, Karem H. Alzoubi8, Adnane Guella9, Yasser Bustanji1,5,6, Mohammad H. Semreen1,2★★ Corresponding author
- 1Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- 2Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- 3Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, The University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- 4Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
- 5Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan.
- 6Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- 7Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
- 8Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2173, Qatar.
- 9Nephrology Department, University Hospital Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mohammad H. Semreen
Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
Received: 14-04-2026; Accepted: 03-06-2026.
Volume 24, Issue 3 · pp. 3655 · PUBLISHED Jul-Sep 2026 · DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2026.3.3655
ABSTRACT
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a vision-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus and one of the leading causes of blindness among working-age adults globally. It is characterised by progressive microvascular damage, neurodegeneration, and inflammation within the retina. Current clinical management relies on anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy and laser photocoagulation, which target late-stage vascular changes but fail to address the underlying systemic and molecular drivers of early disease. Moreover, diagnostic strategies remain largely imaging-based, with limited integration of molecular biomarkers that could facilitate early detection or personalized intervention. In recent years, multi-omics technologies, including metabolomics and proteomics, have emerged as powerful tools to unravel the complex molecular landscape of DR. These approaches have identified key dysregulated pathways, like the polyol pathway, and chronic inflammatory signalling, alongside candidate biomarkers in plasma, and retinal tissue. Despite this progress, clinical translation remains limited due to heterogeneity in findings and gaps in longitudinal validation. This review integrates recent multi-omics discoveries relevant to DR pathogenesis, highlights emerging systemic and retinal biomarkers, and evaluates potential therapeutic targets beyond VEGF. By integrating evidence from human and animal studies, we outline how omics-informed insights can inform risk stratification, guide therapies, and support a shift toward personalized management of DR.
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Zenati, R. A., Qannita, R. A., Abuhelwa, A. Y., Alqudah, M. A. Y., Aleidi, S. M., El-Huneidi, W., Abu-Gharbieh, E., AlShareef, Z. M., Alzoubi, K. H., Guella, A., Bustanji, Y., & Semreen, M. H. (2026). Multi-Omics Insights into Systemic Molecular Alterations and Emerging Therapeutic Targets in Diabetic Retinopathy. Pharmacy Practice, 24(3), 3655. https://doi.org/10.18549/PharmPract.2026.3.3655