Lipid nanoparticles for the treatment of dry eye disease
Advantages
- Sterile biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticles (green synthesis).
- Novel ocular delivery system with improved stability.
- Sustained release of the nanoparticles (increased bioavailability).
- Easy scale-up.
Benefits for patients
- Dry eye curative and preventive effect.
- Long-term effect: Moisturizing and calming prolonged action.
- Other potential therapeutic effects: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-microbial effects.
Goal
The group is looking for a license agreement, but other collaborations may be considered.
Intellectual Property
International Patent Application EP23382105.7
Priority date: February 6th 2023
Reference
UBTT0430
Contact
Rosa Vázquez
Email: rvazquez@fbg.ub.edu
Tel: +34 934 039639
Lipid nanoparticles for the treatment of dry eye disease
Executive summary
The research group, with wide experience in nanostructured systems of controlled drug delivery generation and a demonstrated experience in the development of ophthalmologic applications, has generated an ophthalmic sterile solution containing green natural compounds with prolonged moisturizing effects.
Introduction
Dry eye disease is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterized by a loss of the homeostasis of the tear film. Hyperosmolarity, ocular surface damage, and inflammation play etiological roles. In Europe, there are 253M people affected (>60% more than 45y). First-line therapy is based on artificial tears in the form of eye drops, gel, or ointments. But some problems still need to be solved:
- Artificial tears have no anti-inflammatory properties and do not deal with the principal pathogenesis of the disease.
- Short ameliorating and moisturizing effect.
- Treatments for ocular inflammation are corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Prolonged use involves severe side effects (increasing ocular pressure and cataract formation).
- In current formulations, less than 5% of the initial dose reaches the first eye layers.
Description
The asset is an ophthalmic sterile solution in the form of artificial tears formed by second-generation nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) containing natural green compounds that confer prolonged moisturizing effects for the ocular surface as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-microbial properties.
Current stage of development
NLC development, optimization and characterization, stability as well as in vivo and in vitro validation have been already carried out. A viability study and regulatory roadmap is already done. The technology is ready to be transferred.