Eyeworld

EW CATARACT 29 February 2016 A study published in Science in November 2015 described research in which mice genetically predis- posed to develop cataracts were given an eye drop treatment dubbed compound 29 6 times over a 2-week period. Researchers saw a "substan- tial improvement in lens opacity grade" based on the Lens Opacities Classification System III, the study authors wrote. Four weeks post-treat- ment, the researchers found the cataract score "indistinguishable from the values taken immediately after treatment." The researchers also tested com- pound 29 ex vivo on human cataract tissue, finding that after 6 days of treatment, the amount of soluble crystallin protein increased by 18% compared to the control treatment, which had no effect. Damaged and unstable forms of crystallin proteins have a tendency to clump and form insoluble amyloids, which can result in cataracts. R.D. Ravindran, MD, chairman, Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai, India, called this research "quite a welcome step, even if it's going to take 10 years" before it could possi- bly hit the market. "It's also very heartening that much research is happening in cata- racts," Dr. Ravindran said. Finding a compound to maintain crystallin solubility Jason Gestwicki, PhD, associate professor, Department of Pharma- ceutical Chemistry, Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCSF, was originally studying protein misfolding diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's at the University of Michigan. Eventually, he read about cataracts and found their formation similar to other protein misfolding diseases in his research. What further lead Dr. Gestwicki to research a nonsurgical cataract treatment was its continued global prevalence despite an effective surgi- cal solution. "Obviously the surgery is incred- ibly safe and very common, but I would argue that it's not a solved problem because there are millions of people in the world who are cur- rently blind from cataracts," he said. "It seemed like a topical, chemical intervention might be a useful thing for those folks in particular." possible nonsurgical, topical option for cataract treatment. While many topical interven- tions that claim to prevent or reverse cataracts are antioxidants, aiming to prevent oxidative damage to crystallin proteins in the lens, the compound developed by researchers at the University of Michigan, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and Washington University in St. Louis focused on stabilizing and maintaining solubility of crystallins to avoid aggregation. B:10.75" An NSAID formulated to penetrate target ocular tissues PROLENSA ® POWERED FOR PENETRATION Available in a 3-mL bottle size Please see brief summary of Prescribing Information on adjacent page. References: 1. PROLENSA ® Prescribing Information, April 2013. 2. Data on file, Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. 3. Baklayan GA, Patterson HM, Song CK, Gow JA, McNamara TR. 24-hour evaluation of the ocular distribution of 14C-labeled bromfenac following topical instillation into the eyes of New Zealand White rabbits. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2008;24(4):392-398. 4. BROMDAY ® Prescribing Information, October 2012. ®/™ are trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates. © 2015 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. US/PRA/15/0015 PROLENSA ® delivers potency and corneal penetration with QD efficacy 1,2 • Advanced formulation delivers corneal penetration 1-3 • Proven efficacy at a low concentration 1,4 INDICATIONS AND USAGE PROLENSA ® (bromfenac ophthalmic solution) 0.07% is a nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for the treatment of postoperative inflammation and reduction of ocular pain in patients who have undergone cataract surgery. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT PROLENSA ® Warnings and Precautions • Sulfite allergic reactions • Slow or delayed healing • Potential for cross‑sensitivity • Increased bleeding of ocular tissues • Corneal effects, including keratitis • Contact lens wear Adverse Reactions The most commonly reported adverse reactions in 3%‑8% of patients were anterior chamber inflammation, foreign body sensation, eye pain, photophobia, and blurred vision. continued on page 30

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