US biotechnology company Trefoil Therapeutics has dosed the first patient in its phase 1 study evaluating TTHX1114, a topical eye drop designed to reduce the duration and impact of corneal epithelial defects (CED).
Potentially blinding, CED is characterised by open sores in the outer layer of the cornea that develop from common infections, eye trauma and neurotrophic keratopathy. There is a clear unmet need for a topical therapy to treat these defects, said corneal and refractive surgeon Dr Mark Mandel, director of the corneal transplant programme at California Pacific Medical Centre in San Francisco. “Corneal epithelial defects can develop quickly from eye trauma, bacterial or viral infections such as a herpes reactivation, or from Sjögren’s syndrome, among many other causes. We need a convenient option that can prevent pain and potential vision loss.”
The company completed a phase 2 study of TTHX1114 as an intracameral injection for people with conditions affecting the posterior cornea, including Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy. The topical formulation of TTHX1114 is designed to accelerate wound healing by stimulating epithelial cell growth, explained Trefoil CEO David Eveleth, potentially reducing common complications associated with corneal ulcers, such as pain, inflammation and loss of vision due to corneal scarring. “We now have promising investigational candidates for both front and back of corneal conditions.”
