Prostaglandin analogues are first-line drugs used to lower intraocular pressure in patients in the treatment of glaucoma.

Recently, many eye drops containing prostaglandin analogues without preservatives have been marketed to increase their tolerance in chronic use. The detergents contained in these preparations cause inflammatory reactions in some patients within the eye surface structures, which is related to the activation of macrophages migrating from the surrounding vessels to the eye surface structures. MF-438 is a substance proven to inhibit the inflammation induced by detergents of eye drops in an in vitro model.

The aim of this project is to comprehensively evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties of MF-438 after application to the ocular surface in an animal model in rabbits and to evaluate the safety and tolerability of this substance after administration to the conjunctival sac in healthy patients.

We expect that inhibition of SCD1 in vivo may reduce detergent-induced inflammation in eye drops and could be a way to improve eye tolerance. The practical significance of the project is crucial in view of the global aging of the population and the rapid increase in the number of glaucoma patients. Glaucoma-related blindness is a significant cause of socio-economic burden on society and forces the search for new solutions to improve the effectiveness of care for patients with glaucoma. Intolerance to local treatment is the most important cause of glaucoma therapy failure.