Israel’s Ocular Discovery Partners with AIIMS to find Non-Invasive Treatment of Eye Surface Disorders
S Singh
Israel based Ocular Discovery and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, announced the launch of a novel research partnership investigating the mechanism of action of DCGI approved Dipyridamole, for optimized delivery and therapeutic treatment of various Ocular Surface Disorders (OSD). While the term OSD encompasses several conditions, all of which affect the Ocular Surface, an estimated 344 million people worldwide suffer from Dry Eye Disease (DED) alone. India reports higher levels of DED than that of Western countries, with 54% of India’s population suffering from the condition. Factors such as increased longevity and growing geriatric population, as well as environment, increased pollution, and lifestyle disorders such as obesity and diabetes, are believed to be increasing global market size; which is anticipated to reach $4.9B by 2024.
The research collaboration led by Dr T Velpandian, AIIMS and Moshe Rogosnitzky, Ocular Discovery, seeks to illuminate the drug’s mechanism of action and effectiveness in the treatment of widespread Ocular Surface Disorders in order to advance delivery, optimize dosage, and substantiate its use as a viable treatment option. “Ocular Surface Disorders have become a global epidemic. Our collaborative research with Ocular Discovery will provide us with a greater understanding of Dipyridamole for the treatment of various forms of the disease, and elucidate its mechanism of action. We look forward to this partnership and hold great hopes for the potential of these findings,” said Dr. T. Velpandian, Professor of Ocular Pharmacology and Pharmacy at AIIMS, New Delhi.
Ocular Surface Disorders (OSD) have serious and long-lasting consequences. In addition to the social and psychological burden; physical side effects include severe discomfort, changes to vision, and in some cases - blindness. While the symptoms of some forms of OSD are treatable with topical steroids and anti-inflammatories, for others, surgical intervention remains the only option; signaling the necessity of additional therapies for those with unmet medical needs. Globally prescribed Dipyridamole, used for the treatment of cardiovascular conditions for over 50 years; is already approved and available in Israel for the relief of various ocular conditions and disorders. The drug has shown marked symptomatic benefit in patients with pterygium and related dry eye symptoms, as well as offers accessible and efficient delivery of the medication.
“Our mission has always been to innovate new treatments by investigating the hidden benefits of established drugs and exploring new applications for their use without massive expenditure, in order to improve patients’ health and quality of life. By upgrading the uses of proven established medications such as Dipyridamole, patients, doctors, and health systems benefit from better outcomes with fewer barriers,” said Moshe Rogosnitzky, CEO and Lead Scientist of Ocular Discovery. “The collaboration and sharing of information hold the key to the healthcare solutions of the future and we are delighted to be partnering with such an esteemed and well-recognized institution as All India Institute of Medicine,” he added.
The research will begin at the beginning of February 2019 and will run until 2022, findings will be published as discoveries are made.
