Novel antioxidant composition and method for preventing cataracts after retinal surgery

Overview:

Researchers at the University of Louisville have developed a unique hydrogel formulation to prevent oxidative stress in the eye following retinal surgery. Up to 80% of patients develop a cataract in the two years following surgery, leading to additional procedures, costs, and poor patient outcomes. The application of the novel hydrogel is done at the end of vitrectomy surgery to protect the lens against oxygen exposure and prevent cataract formation. Currently, the only strategy to prevent cataract formation is instructing patients to keep their head down for two weeks following surgery. After application of this formulation, patients can go back to regular activities as the lens remains in place until the body replaces its missing vitreous humor.

Highlights:

• Ex vivo studies have proven that our product is biocompatible and provides optical clarity and oxygen impermeability as a barrier.
• First-in-class method of preventing cataracts with no known competitors.
• Cost-effective procedure that is scalable and inexpensive.

Benefits: 

1. Phase I formulations have been proven to reduce oxygen exposure to the lens 34 times more effectively than having no coating.
2. Permanently seals the lens without the need for frequent intravitreal injections or drops.
3. Has no known complications associated with the procedure, unlike many other surgical solutions or drops on the market.

Applications:

Market applications include cataract prevention, surgical tools, wound healing, vitrectomy recovery, refractive error correction, and post-operative procedures.

IP Status: ​

Issued Patents

Inventors:

• Ori Braun
• Shlomit Schaal
• Martin G O'Toole

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