Eyenovia, Inc announced positive results from its study assessing gene and protein expression of cytokines and chemokines following latanoprost + benzalkonium chloride (BAK) treatment administered via the Optejet delivery system versus latanoprost + BAK administered with conventional eye drops.
Tell me about Optejet first.
Designed for ocular therapeutics, the Optejet dispenser uses Eyenovia’s Microdose Array Print (MAP) technology as a topical delivery system, similar to an inkjet printer. Medication is dispensed horizontally in a mist, coating the surface of the cornea. Of note, contact to the eye occurs at a low velocity in order to reduce ocular impact. (via)
How about some background on BAK-preserved medications?
Preservatives are typically used in medications to minimize the potential for microbial action, prevent chemical changes, and to prolong shelf-life. However, patients who are chronically administered BAK-preserved glaucoma medications may experience inflammatory side effects, potentially leading to ocular surface disease (OSD).
Talk about the study.
Researchers exposed conjunctival epithelial cells to the study drug by either the Optejet technology or with standard drops. They then conducted multiple assays to determine inflammatory gene expression via reverse transcription -quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and protein expression by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The testing targeted common immune biomarkers and OSD inflammatory mediators (IL6, MIF cytokines, chemokine CCL2). (via)
What did they find?
Researchers found that pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine expressions had lowered in two of three cytokines with the Optejet technology-administered latanoprost + BAK treatment versus standard drops. Subsequently, it was determined that Optejet-administered drops were more effective in reducing inflammatory processes and pathways than with standard drops.
What does this mean?
As Eyenovia’s Senior Director of Medical Affairs Julie Whitcomb, PhD,said: “The current study further underscores that precision dosing of drug and preservatives by the Optejet decreases inflammation.”