The Challenge:
Chronic dry eye syndrome (CDES) is one of the most common ocular problems.Although a number of etiologies result in CDES, the condition arises from a disruption ofthe pre-ocular tear film leading to either reduced tear production or excess tearevaporation. The human tear film is essential for normal eye function. Mild deficienciesof tears produce a subjective foreign body or gritty sensation, while more severedeficiencies can lead to epithelial defects, corneal dryness, and vision loss. While themost common cause of tear deficiencies are autoimmune diseases, the majority ofpatients with CDES due to excess tear evaporation suffer from meibomian glanddysfunction resulting in lipid tear deficiency. The meibomian glands in the eyelidsproduce the oily lipid layer that reduces evaporation of tears. Currently treatment optionsinclude many commercially available over-the-counter artificial tear formulations andone pharmacological agent aimed at immune associated CDES. Although, a number ofproducts are in developments there is a clear need for artificial tears that mimic essentialproperties of human tears.
Technology to be Commercialized:
Meibomian secretions are composed of a heterogenous lipid mixture, which formsa protective lipid surface that maintains the integrity of the tear film. This inventionprovides an aqueous formulation of artificial tears based on the natural lipids of themeibomian secretions. The inventors have identified at the molecular level the genes andcorresponding enzymes that produce the lipid components of human tears. In addition,they have developed an expression system and purification protocol of these lipids.Furthermore, the potential exists to precisely control the physiological properties of theselipids.
Market Overview:
As one of the most common ocular problems there is a clear market opportunityfor this technology. In the United States alone, 5.5 million individuals suffer from someform of chronic dry eye. In addition, with only one product currently on the market thereis significant potential for other treatment options. Thus, the market is still in its infancywith substantial growth opportunity. Frost and Sullivan estimate that although the marketwas nearly $200 million in 2005 they forecast a $1.5 billion market by 2012.
Feb. 17, 2012
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