A Newly Thermo-Responsive Artificial Tear Formulation, AT-1401: Its Retentivity and Efficacy on Ocular Surface

Abstract

Purpose : To clarify the AT-1401 profile, we evaluated the retentivity and the efficacy on ocular surface.

Methods : AT-1401 or each marketed artificial tear product containing fluorescent dye was instilled into rabbit eyes. The residual fluorescent intensity on ocular surface was determined at 30 minutes after the instillation and the retentivity was compared. To evaluate the corneal moisturizing effect, the extracted fresh rabbit corneas were incubated at 35 degrees Celsius for 40 minutes after applying AT-1401, saline or other products. The corneal damage induced by drying was quantified by 1% methylene blue staining. Moreover, the effect of AT-1401 on corneal wound healing in rabbits was also investigated. Rabbit corneal wound was induced by the instillation of 0.1% benzalkonium chloride (BAC) solution 3 times a day for 6 weeks. AT-1401, saline or a certain product was instilled into the rabbit eyes 4 times a day for 12 days. Corneal damage level was evaluated by the fluorescent staining score on Day 0, 4, 7 and 12 since starting the medication.

Results : AT-1401 showed relatively higher retention on the ocular surface than that of the other products. AT-1401 showed enough protective effect on corneal damage to be superior to the other products in extracted-rabbit cornea. Further, AT-1401 showed sufficient corneal wound healing effect comparing with other groups.

Conclusions : AT-1401 has quite unique profiles and excellent efficacy as an artificial tear product in terms of the retentivity and pharmacology.

This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.