Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel anti–inflammatory compound(EV–131 0.25%, 0.125%, ophthalmic solution) for its ability to prevent clinical signs of anterior chamber inflammation following laser irradiation of the iris in the pigmented rabbit. rEV–131 is a recombinant protein derived from a native protein secreted in the saliva of the adult female Rhipicephalus appendiculatus tick. In order to prevent a host from learning of its presence, a feeding tick is thought to secrete the protein to suppress a host’s early inflammatory reaction. Methods: Twenty–four Dutch Belted pigment rabbits (weighing at least 1.6 kilograms) were used in this 7 day study. Rabbits were randomized to receive treatment with EV–131 0.25%, EV–131 0.125%, prednisolone 1.0%, or vehicle (PBS) in the right eye. Rabbits were dosed QID with prescribed treatment on study days 1, 2, 3. On Day 4, rabbits were dosed twice with prescribed treatment, anaesthetized and subjected to laser irradiation on the treatment eye. Following irradiation, rabbits were examined for the presentation of fibrin in the anterior chamber and other clinical signs of anterior chamber inflammation. Results: The positive control Pred Forte® and both concetrations of EV–131 (0.25%, 0.125%) demonstrated efficacy at preventing the accumulation of fibrin in the anterior chamber as compared to placebo. EV–131 0.25% appeared more effective than the positive control at peak time points. The positive control also demonstrated efficacy at preventing conjunctival injection as compared to placebo. Compound EV–131 0.25% was effective in preventing conjunctival injection at 24 hours post–irradiation. Conclusions: In this model, EV–131 demonstrated efficacy in preventing anterior chamber inflammation following anterior chamber trauma. The clinical efficacy profile of EV–131 may be comparable to that of the steroids frequently used to treat post–cataract inflammation.
Keywords: uveitis-clinical/animal model • anterior chamber • trauma