In Vitro Cell Toxicity Comparing Microdose Vs Drop Delivery Of Latanoprost With Bak In Human Conjunctival Cells - Encore

Prolonged use of preserved topical ophthalmic medications is known to lead to ocular surface disorders in patients. This study will assess in vitro conjunctival cell toxicity in preserved and non-preserved Latanoprost in various delivery modalities.

In vitro testing conducted at a research facility in collaboration with Dr. Pedram Hamrah, Interim Chairman of Ophthalmology at Tufts Medical Center.

Human conjunctival epithelial cell line (HCjE) was exposed to four drug delivery modalities: Preserved Latanoprost Drops (BAK+ drops), Non-preserved Latanoprost Drops (BAK- drops), Optejet Microdosed Preserved Latanoprost (Optejet BAK+), and Control for 15 mins then rinsed with media followed by a 5-hour recovery period. Cell toxicity was evaluated by cell-based assays and microscopy. Toxicity evaluation was based on cell viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and metabolic activity of ATP/ROS generation. Microscopy was performed using Brightfield and Immunofluorescence imaging technique.

HCjE cells treated with Optejet BAK+ showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in cell viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and metabolic activity compared to those treated with the BAK- drops or the Control. HCjE cells treated with BAK+ drops showed significantly lower viability (p<0.05) in all assays compared to the other Latanoprost drug delivery modalities. Optejet BAK+ treated cells showed higher viability and ATP production on assays and showed higher survivability on contrast microscopy compared to BAK+ drop-treated cells. Optejet BAK+ showed comparable results to the Control.

This study shows excellent conjunctival cell tolerability of preserved Latanoprost when microdosed by the Optejet delivery technology. Significantly less HCjE toxicity was observed using Optejet BAK+ compared to preserved Latanoprost drop form and equivalent to preservative free drop form.