A schematic of the drop’s structure

A cutting-edge innovation in topical drops has been described as a breakthrough for sufferers of eye diseases and in ophthalmic drug delivery.

MiDROPS (microemulsion drug ocular penetration system) uses microemulsions to formulate and deliver lipophilic drugs via topical eyedrops. So sufferers of moderate-to-severe dry eye disease (DED), for example, can be more effectively treated as the drug is delivered directly into tissues of both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, an achievement not possible with traditional ophthalmic formulations, said Dr Rafal Farjo, CEO of US-based MiDROPS developer EyeCRO.

“We are elated to establish this important clinical proof-of concept for MiDROPS as an eyedrop vehicle. The data fundamentally demonstrate that these ordered formulations can be safely applied and confer therapeutic activity,” announced Dr Fario when unveiling the results of the company’s phase 2 study at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology’s annual meeting in Seattle. “We are excited for the potential of this platform technology to revolutionise the way ophthalmic drugs are formulated and delivered via eyedrops to tissues of both the anterior and posterior segment.”

The study also established the critical role of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) in the pathophysiology of DED, he said.