Therapeutic Treatment of Dry Eye Disease and Its Cause

Reserachers have developed a novel use of fibroblast growth factor-2 for the treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), a condition that manifests itself through dry, itchy, and red eyes (also commonly referred to as dry eye disease).

BACKGROUND:
Dry eye typically stems from one of two etiologies: aqueous deficiency or MGD. The prevalence of dry eye disease Is estimated to be 7-34%, and the number of persons affected is increasing with the aging of population. Studies have shown that MGD is present in as many as 86 out of 100 cases of dry eye. The exact etiology of MGD is unknown and current treatment regimens are mostly focused on treating the symptoms of dry eye and inflammation rather than the underlying pathology. The current invention aims to directly treat the pathogenic mechanisms of MGD, and hence can be an improved therapy for sufferers of dry eye disease and MGD.

INNOVATION:
This novel approach has demonstrated fibroblast growth factor receptor-signaling pathway is critical for meibomian gland (MG) maintenance and homeostasis in adult mice. Because a high level of this factor is also present in human MGs, this signaling pathway is likely required for normal maintenance of MGs in humans too. As such, it is likely reduced levels of this specific growth factor during aging Is a potential pathogenic mechanisms of MGD in human dry eye disease patients.

APPLICATIONS:

• Meibomian gland dysfunction
• Age related dry eye syndrome
• Post-surgery Dry eye (LASIK)
• Dry eye due to chronic contact lens use

Advantages:

• Targets underlying pathology of MGD
• Can restore the Meibomian gland function