The aging population and rising prevalence of ophthalmic disease have created demand for improved ocular delivery methods. GSK will now assess the feasibility of using the EyeGate II delivery system to administer some of its therapeutics to the anterior and posterior of the eye.
“EyeGate has developed a unique, non-invasive system that delivers therapeutics for ocular diseases”, explained Stephen From, president and CEO of EyeGate Pharma.
The EyeGate II delivery system uses iontophoresis to administer therapeutics to the eye. A low-level of electrical current ionizes a drug and modifies the permeability of cells, allowing the therapeutic to be delivered through tissues to targeted areas.
EyeGate believes this improves on alternative drug delivery systems,such as ophthalmic drops and intravitreal injections, by offering superior absorption and reduced risk.
Furthermore, EyeGate II gives the doctor direct control of the dosing. This addresses compliance issues, enables rapid onset of action and allows for the dose to be varied in response to different patients’ needs.
Specific terms of the agreement between EyeGate and GSK were not disclosed.
In-house research
EyeGate is also developing its own product candidate, EGP-437, using the delivery technology for the treatment of anterior uveitis. In March EyeGate completed a Phase II trial of the treatment which showed “promising signs of efficacy”.
To further research EyeGate secured $22.6m in Series D venture financing, $11m of which was available in December 2009, with the remainder being held in reserve for future use.