BostonSight publishes pilot study on PROSE scleral lenses as a drug delivery system for cyclosporine in dry eye treatment

(Image credit: Adobe Stock/marozhkastudio)

BostonSight announced the publication of a study titled Utilizing PROSE as a Drug Delivery Device for Preservative-Free Cyclosporine 0.05% for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: A Pilot Study. The study was published in the journal Clinical Ophthalmology.¹

Daniel Brocks, MD, Chief Medical Officer at BostonSight and lead investigator of the study, commented that the publication of this open-label, prospective, non-comparative clinical trial "highlights the investigative approach, concepts, and many important scientific questions regarding the use of PROSE or scleral lenses as a drug delivery device."

PROSE (prosthetic replacement of the ocular surface ecosystem) treatment uses customized scleral lenses to treat patients with corneal irregularities and ocular surface diseases. A scleral lens rests on the sclera and vaults over the cornea, creating a new surface over the damaged cornea. The space between the cornea and the lens is filled with preservative-free saline, creating a fluid reservoir that bathes the cornea continuously, promoting comfort, healing, and relief.¹

In this study, BostonSight tested Cyclosporine 0.05% (Restasis; Allergan and Cequa; Sun Pharmaceutical Industries) in the scleral lens reservoir for the treatment of dry eye disease.

“Ultimately, we anticipate that our research in this area will lead to new ocular management strategies that improve ocular health and enhance the lives of our patients,” Brocks said.

The study authors noted that the ophthalmic and optometric community is still in the early stages of investigating the potential use of PROSE or scleral lenses as a drug delivery system for preservative-free ocular medications.¹

“This pilot study reports encouraging results in terms of symptom relief and ocular surface tolerability for cyclosporine 0.05% when delivered via a PROSE reservoir,” the authors wrote. “Additionally, early data suggest potential efficacy.”

Overall, the researchers concluded that their findings support further investigation into the safety and efficacy of using the PROSE reservoir as a drug delivery system for Cyclosporine 0.05% in the treatment of dry eye disease.

“Furthermore, this study underscores the importance of a standardized, scientific, stepwise approach to utilizing PROSE or scleral lenses as a drug delivery system,” the authors concluded.

Reference

1. Nakhla MN, Patel R, Crowley E, Li Y, Peiris TB, Brocks D. Utilizing PROSE as a Drug Delivery Device for Preservative-Free Cyclosporine 0.05% for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: A Pilot Study. Clin Ophthalmol. 2024;18:3203-3213
https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S487369