Injectable Biocompolyer-Based Hydrogel As A Promising Treatment For Cornea Blindness

Corneal perforations are emergency situations that are currently treated by sealing with cyanoacrylate or Super-Glue. This treatment is sub-optimal and often requires a follow-on corneal transplantation to restore vision. Our goal is development of a one-step injectable sealant-filler that promotes regeneration to circumvent the need for corneal transplantation.

Pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo trial under GLP- and GMP-guidelines.

Liquid hydrogels were prepared by conjugation of self-assembling collagen-like peptides (CLP) to a novel polymer made from anti-inflammatory 2-Methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC). The hydrogel was tested ex vivo on excised pig corneas with surgical perforations to examine its efficacy to seal large perforations. The hydrogel was tested in vivo on alkali burnt BALB/c mouse corneas to investigate their biocompatibility and efficacy. A pre-clinical study was then started in mini-pigs (9 pigs).

Bursting pressure tests showed that the self-gelling Liquid Cornea tolerated pressures up to 50mmHg. In vivo testing in mouse corneas showed no sign of inflammation or angiogenesis. Early results in alkali burned mini-pig corneas with large surgical perforations showed that all corneas tested were sealed. The average epithelialization was 60 % after 1 week and above 90 % after 5 weeks. At 2 months post-surgery, all corneas were epithelialized, and in-growth of stromal cells was starting. At 6 months the nerve start growing in side cornea. No post-operative glaucoma was reported.

Liquid Corneas made from CLP-MPC delivered in a single syringe spontaneously gelled in perforations in mini-pig corneas and supported corneal regeneration in mouse and mini pig corneas. Early results in pre-clinical trial indicate the benefit of the one-step surgery inherent to Liquid Cornea as it limits cornea neovascularisation, and promotes epithelial, neurological and mesonchymal regeneration. The Liquid Cornea self-gelling agent therefore shows great promise as a biocompatible and xeno-free alternative to (semi-)urgent keratoplasty.