Abstract
Purpose :
Semifluorinated alkanes (SFA) are inert, nontoxic and amphiphilic liquids. In ophthalmology, they were often used in vitreo-retinal surgery as an endotamponade and in dry eye diseases as lubricating eye drops. Recently, their properties as vehicle for topical drugs have been broadly investigated. The purpose of our study was to test the inhibitory effect of VEGF TrapR1R2 (Aflibercept) suspended in semifluorinated alkanes on inflammatory corneal hem- and lymphangiogenesis.
Methods :
Six-to eight-week-old female BALB/c mice were used for the model of suture-induced inflammatory neovascularization. Mice were divided into 4 groups (n = 20): VEGF TrapR1R2 suspended in semifluorinated alkanes (Trap/F6H8); VEGF TrapR1R2 dissolved in Phosphate (Trap/Phosphate); F6H8 and Phosphate (Controls). Right after the suturing, drops were applied three times per day. Two weeks after topical administration, corneas were harvested and stained with LYVE-1 and CD31 to quantify corneal hem- and lymphangiogenesis morphometric.
Results :
VEGF TrapR1R2 suspended in semifluorinated alkanes is as effective as the commercial formulation in inhibiting corneal (lymph)angiogenesis topically. Both groups significantly inhibited the ingrowth of blood vessels (p < 0.05) and lymphatic vessels (p < 0.01) into the center of cornea compared to control groups (F6H8 and Phosphate).
Conclusions :
F6H8 is a potential carrier for VEGF TrapR1R2/Aflibercept to topically treat corneal neovascularization. With this study we show for the first time, that SFAs can serve as a carrier for anti-angiogenic drugs to the ocular surface. These findings open new treatments avenues for local anti-angiogenic treatments.
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This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.