Abstract
Purpose :
Conjunctivitis is mainly caused by bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Some combination of antibiotic/anti-inflammatory drugs have been used for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis, but all suffer from an increasing antibiotic resistance, and all are contraindicated in cases of suspected viral infection due to the drugs’ propensity to worsen the duration and severity of viral infections because of increased viral shedding promoted by the steroids. There is no FDA approved treatment for Viral Conjunctivitis, which represents a significant unmet medical need. Therefore, the aim of this work is to develop a therapeutic to treat both adenoviral and acute bacterial conjunctivitis. Povidone Iodine is used as the active ingredient due to its broad spectrum of activity and strong effectiveness against viruses, bacteria, fungi, and mold spores.
Methods :
In vitro antimicrobial test of IVIEW-1201 (PVP-I 0.6%) was conducted on ocular isolated pathogens. In vitro virucidal efficacy test of IVIEW-1201 (PVP-I 0.6%) was conducted against Adeonvirus. In vitro cell viability study was evaluated by MTT Assay and Live Cell Fluorescence Microscopy (LCFM). In vivo drug retention study was conducted in rabbits. The ocular toxicity of IVIEW-1201 (PVP-I 0.6% and 1.0%) was assessed by repeat topical ocular doses over a 7-day period in New Zealand white rabbits.
Results :
IVIEW-1201 eradicated all tested pathogens (Pseudomona aeruginosa, MRSA and Candida Parapsilosis) at 15s, 30s and 1 minute. In vitro antiviral study indicated the complete inactivation of the virus by IVIEW-1201. IVIEW-1201, administered as an in-situ gel, resulted in approximately 5 times longer drug retention on ocular surface than saline. Cell viability study indicated the safety of PVP-I at 0.5%-1%, and in-situ gel effectively reduced cytotoxicity of PVP-I. The ocular toxicity study indicated that the 0.6% and 1.0% PVP-I gel formulations are associated with transient irritation and mild toxicity limited to the superficial ocular tissues with a slight dose response suggested after Day 1. The lack of meaningful histological signs of corneal damage or inflammation indicates the safety after 7 days of dose administration.
Conclusions :
IVIEW-1201 is an in-situ gel-forming povidone iodine composition which results in long-lasting anti-viral and antimicrobial efficacy.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.