Heterocyclideneacetamide derivative-containing medicine

A heterocyclideneacetamide derivative acts as a Vi/Vc region inhibitor to address both subjective and objective symptoms of dry eye, offering effective and rapid relief through eye drops or suspensions.

JP2026042857APending Publication Date: 2026-03-11SENJU PHARMA CO LTD +1
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2026-01-05
Publication Date
2026-03-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current treatments for dry eye, such as sodium hyaluronate, diquafosol sodium, rebamipide, and cyclosporine, fail to adequately improve both subjective and objective symptoms, and there is a need for a more effective treatment that addresses both types of symptoms and provides fast-acting relief.

Method used

A novel dry eye treatment using (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, a heterocyclideneacetamide derivative, which acts as a Vi/Vc region inhibitor, is administered as an eye drop or suspension to improve both subjective and objective symptoms of dry eye.

Benefits of technology

The compound effectively reduces ocular discomfort and improves both subjective and objective symptoms of dry eye, including reducing superficial punctate keratopathy scores and blink frequency, providing fast-acting relief.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 2026042857000004
    Figure 2026042857000004
  • Figure 2026042857000005
    Figure 2026042857000005
  • Figure 2026042857000006
    Figure 2026042857000006
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a means for treating dry eye. [Solution] The present disclosure may provide a composition comprising (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or use thereof for treating dry eye. The present disclosure may provide a composition comprising a Vi / Vc region inhibitor, or use thereof for treating dry eye.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the fields of medicine, healthcare, biology, biotechnology, etc. The present disclosure relates, inter alia, to the application of Vi / Vc domain inhibitors and / or the amelioration of dry eye symptoms. [Background technology]

[0002] The number of dry eye patients in Japan is estimated to be at least 8 million, and the number is estimated to be approximately 22 million, including potential patients who use over-the-counter eye drops without visiting a doctor. It is estimated that there are over 1 billion dry eye patients worldwide. In modern society, the use of televisions, computers, and mobile devices increases the frequency of blinking, and air conditioning and other factors dry the air, resulting in increased tear evaporation and dry eye. Furthermore, refractive surgery and contact lens use can result in dry eye. Symptoms associated with dry eye include ocular discomfort, dryness, burning, and irritation of the ocular surface. More severe forms of dry eye can be caused by autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome or Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which destroy the lacrimal glands (Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] The effectiveness of dry eye treatment is evaluated from the patient's subjective perspective, such as external observation and evaluation (objective findings) and ocular discomfort and foreign body sensation (subjective symptoms). Objective findings include tear volume and observation of damaged areas in the corneal and conjunctival epithelium. While sodium hyaluronate, diquafosol sodium, and rebamipide, available in Japan, and cyclosporine, available in the United States, are approved as prescription eye drops for dry eye, few of them have been approved as satisfying the primary endpoint of improving subjective symptoms in addition to improving objective findings. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Pharmacia Vol.50 No.3 2014:201~206 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a novel dry eye treatment agent using (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, a heterocyclideneacetamide derivative, its use, methods for treatment or prevention, etc. The present disclosure also relates to a Vi / Vc region inhibitor using the compound, its use, methods for treatment or prevention, etc.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a composition for preventing and / or treating dry eye using a Vi / Vc region inhibitor, its use, a method for treatment or prevention, etc.

[0007] Treatment of dry eye can be an improvement in subjective symptoms of dry eye. Treatment of dry eye can also include an improvement in objective symptoms of dry eye. In the present disclosure, treatment of dry eye can include an improvement in both subjective and objective symptoms of dry eye.

[0008] Example embodiments of the present disclosure include the following: (Item 1) A composition for treating dry eye, comprising (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. (Item 2) The composition according to the preceding item for improving subjective symptoms of dry eye. (Item 2A) The composition according to the preceding item, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by subjective symptoms. (Item 3) The composition according to any one of the preceding items for suppressing eye discomfort associated with dryness. (Item 3A) The composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by eye discomfort due to dryness. (Item 4) The composition according to any one of the preceding items for improving the objective symptoms of dry eye. (Item 4A) The composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by objective symptoms. (Item 5) The composition according to any one of the preceding items for improving subjective and objective symptoms of dry eye. (Item 5A) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by subjective symptoms and objective symptoms. (Item 6) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the concentration of the (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof is about 0.1 to about 1.0 w / v %. (Item 7) The composition according to any of the preceding items, which is an eye drop. (Item 8) The composition according to any of the preceding items, which is a suspension. (Item 9) The composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is aqueous-deficient dry eye. (Item 10) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the composition is administered to a patient who has subjective symptoms of ocular discomfort and has been diagnosed with dry eye. (Item 11) A composition for suppressing eye discomfort associated with dryness, comprising (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. (Item 12) A composition for improving the subjective symptoms of dry eye, comprising (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. (Item 13) A composition for improving the objective symptoms of dry eye, comprising (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. (Item 14) A composition for treating corneal epithelial disorders, comprising (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. (Item 15) A suspension for suppressing eye discomfort associated with dryness, comprising about 0.3 to about 1.0 w / v % of (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. (Item 16) A Vi / Vc region inhibitor comprising (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. (Item 17) A composition for treating dry eye, comprising a Vi / Vc region inhibitor. (Item 18) The composition according to the preceding item for improving subjective symptoms of dry eye. (Item 19) A composition according to any of the preceding items for suppressing eye discomfort associated with dryness. (Item 20) The composition according to any of the preceding items for improving the objective symptoms of dry eye. (Item 21) The composition according to any of the preceding items, which is an eye drop. (Item 22) The composition according to any of the preceding items, which is a suspension. (Item 23) The composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is aqueous-deficient dry eye. (Item 24) The composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein the composition is administered to a patient who has subjective symptoms of ocular discomfort and has been diagnosed with dry eye. (Item 25) A composition for suppressing eye discomfort associated with dryness, comprising a Vi / Vc region inhibitor. (Item 26) A composition for improving subjective symptoms of dry eye, comprising a Vi / Vc region inhibitor. (Item 27) A composition according to any of the preceding items, wherein (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide is (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-((7R)-7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide.

[0009] Examples of other embodiments of the present disclosure include the following: (Item A1) A method for treating dry eye in a patient in need thereof, comprising administering to the patient (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. (Item A2) A method according to the preceding item for improving subjective symptoms of dry eye. (Item A2A) The method according to the preceding item, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by subjective symptoms. (Item A3) A method according to any one of the preceding items for suppressing eye discomfort associated with dryness. (Item A3A) The method according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by eye discomfort due to dryness. (Item A4) A method according to any of the preceding items for improving objective symptoms of dry eye. (Item A4A) The method according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by objective symptoms. (Item A5) A method according to any one of the preceding items for improving subjective and objective symptoms of dry eye. (Item A5A) The method according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by subjective symptoms and objective symptoms. (Item A6) The method according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, is administered at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 1.0 w / v %. (Item A7) The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the compound is administered as an eye drop. (Item A8) The method according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the compound is administered as a suspension. (Item A9) The method according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is aqueous-deficient dry eye. (Item A10) The method according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the compound is administered to a patient who has a subjective symptom of ocular discomfort and has been diagnosed with dry eye. (Item A11) A method for suppressing ocular discomfort associated with dryness in a patient in need thereof, comprising administering to the patient (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. (Item A12) A method for improving subjective symptoms of dry eye in a patient in need thereof, comprising administering to the patient (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. (Item A13) A method for improving the objective symptoms of dry eye in a patient in need thereof, comprising administering to the patient (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. (Item A14) A method for treating a corneal epithelial disorder in a patient in need thereof, comprising administering to the patient (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. (Item A15) A method for suppressing ocular discomfort associated with dryness in a patient in need thereof, the method comprising the step of administering to the patient a suspension containing about 0.3 to about 1.0 w / v % of (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. (Item A16) A method for inhibiting the Vi / Vc region, comprising the step of administering (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. (Item A17) A method for treating dry eye in a patient in need thereof, the method comprising administering a Vi / Vc region inhibitor. (Item A18) A method according to any of the preceding items for improving subjective symptoms of dry eye. (Item A19) A method according to any one of the preceding items for suppressing eye discomfort associated with dryness. (Item A20) A method according to any of the preceding items for improving objective symptoms of dry eye. (Item A21) The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the Vi / Vc region inhibitor is administered as an eye drop. (Item A22) The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the Vi / Vc region inhibitor is administered as a suspension. (Item A23) The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is aqueous-deficient dry eye. (Item A24) The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the Vi / Vc region inhibitor is administered to a patient who has subjective symptoms of ocular discomfort and has been diagnosed with dry eye. (Item A25) A method for suppressing ocular discomfort associated with dryness in a patient in need thereof, the method comprising the step of administering a Vi / Vc region inhibitor to the patient. (Item A26) A method for improving subjective symptoms of dry eye in a patient in need thereof, comprising administering to the patient a Vi / Vc region inhibitor. (Item A27) The method according to any of the preceding items, wherein (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide is (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-((7R)-7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide.

[0010] Examples of other embodiments of the present disclosure include the following: (Item B1) (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, for use in the treatment of dry eye. (Item B2) A compound for use according to the preceding item for improving subjective symptoms of dry eye. (Item B2A) The compound for use according to the above item, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by subjective symptoms. (Item B3) A compound for use according to any one of the preceding items for suppressing eye discomfort associated with dryness. (Item B3A) The compound for use according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by eye discomfort due to dryness. (Item B4) A compound for use according to any one of the preceding items for improving objective symptoms of dry eye. (Item B4A) The compound for use according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by objective symptoms. (Item B5) A compound for use according to any one of the preceding items for improving subjective and objective symptoms of dry eye. (Item B5A) The compound for use according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by subjective symptoms and objective symptoms. (Item B6) The compound for use according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the concentration of the (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, is about 0.1 to about 1.0 w / v %. (Item B7) A compound for use according to any one of the preceding items, which is contained in eye drops. (Item B8) A compound for use according to any of the preceding items, which is contained in a suspension. (Item B9) The compound for use according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is aqueous-deficient dry eye. (Item B10) A compound for use according to any one of the preceding items, characterized in that it is administered to a patient who has subjective symptoms of ocular discomfort and has been diagnosed with dry eye. (Item B11) (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, for use in suppressing eye discomfort associated with dryness. (Item B12) (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, for use in improving the subjective symptoms of dry eye. (Item B13) (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, for use in improving the objective symptoms of dry eye. (Item B14) (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, for use in the treatment of corneal epithelial disorders. (Item B15) (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof for suppressing eye discomfort associated with dryness, the compound being contained in a suspension composition at about 0.3 to about 1.0 w / v %. (Item B16) (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, for use in inhibiting the Vi / Vc region. (Item B17) A Vi / Vc region inhibitor for use in the treatment of dry eye. (Item B18) A Vi / Vc region inhibitor for use according to the preceding item for improving subjective symptoms of dry eye. (Item B19) A Vi / Vc region inhibitor for use according to any one of the preceding items for suppressing eye discomfort associated with dryness. (Item B20) A Vi / Vc region inhibitor for use according to any one of the preceding items for improving objective symptoms of dry eye. (Item B21) The Vi / Vc region inhibitor for use according to any of the preceding items, which is an eye drop. (Item B22) The Vi / Vc region inhibitor for use according to any one of the preceding items, which is a suspension. (Item B23) The Vi / Vc region inhibitor for use according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is aqueous-deficient dry eye. (Item B24) A Vi / Vc region inhibitor for use according to any of the preceding items, characterized in that the inhibitor is administered to a patient who has subjective symptoms of ocular discomfort and has been diagnosed with dry eye. (Item B25) A Vi / Vc region inhibitor for use in suppressing eye discomfort associated with dryness. (Item B26) A Vi / Vc region inhibitor for use in improving subjective symptoms of dry eye. (Item B27) (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide is (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-((7R)-7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, a compound or Vi / Vc region inhibitor for use according to any of the preceding items.

[0011] Examples of other embodiments of the present disclosure include the following: (Item C1) Use of (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating dry eye. (Item C2) The use according to the above item, wherein the medicament is for improving subjective symptoms of dry eye. (Item C2A) The use according to the above item, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by subjective symptoms. (Item C3) The use according to any of the preceding items, wherein the medicament is for suppressing eye discomfort associated with dryness. (Item C3A) The use according to any of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by eye discomfort due to dryness. (Item C4) The use according to any of the preceding items, wherein the medicament is for improving objective symptoms of dry eye. (Item C4A) The use according to any of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by objective symptoms. (Item C5) The use according to any of the preceding items, wherein the medicament is for improving subjective and objective symptoms of dry eye. (Item C5A) The use according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by subjective symptoms and objective symptoms. (Item C6) The use according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the concentration of the (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof in the medicament is about 0.1 to about 1.0 w / v %. (Item C7) The use according to any of the preceding items, wherein the medicine is an eye drop. (Item C8) The use according to any of the preceding items, wherein the medicament is a suspension. (Item C9) The use according to any of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is aqueous-deficient dry eye. (Item C10) The use according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the medicament is administered to a patient who has subjective symptoms of ocular discomfort and has been diagnosed with dry eye. (Item C11) Use of (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for suppressing eye discomfort associated with dryness. (Item C12) Use of (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for improving the subjective symptoms of dry eye. (Item C13) Use of (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for improving the objective symptoms of dry eye. (Item C14) Use of (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating corneal epithelial disorders. (Item C15) Use of a suspension containing about 0.3 to about 1.0 w / v % of (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for suppressing eye discomfort associated with dryness. (Item C16) Use of (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for inhibiting the Vi / Vc region. (Item C17) Use of a Vi / Vc region inhibitor in the manufacture of a medicament for treating dry eye. (Item C18) The use according to the above items, wherein the medicament is for improving subjective symptoms of dry eye. (Item C19) The use according to any of the preceding items, wherein the medicament is for suppressing eye discomfort associated with dryness. (Item C20) The use according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the medicament improves objective symptoms of dry eye. (Item C21) The use according to any of the preceding items, wherein the medicine is an eye drop. (Item C22) The use according to any of the preceding items, wherein the medicament is a suspension. (Item C23) The use according to any of the preceding items, wherein the dry eye is aqueous-deficient dry eye. (Item C24) The use according to any of the preceding items, wherein the medicament is administered to a patient who has subjective symptoms of ocular discomfort and has been diagnosed with dry eye. (Item C25) Use of a Vi / Vc region inhibitor in the manufacture of a medicine for suppressing eye discomfort associated with dryness. (Item C26) Use of a Vi / Vc region inhibitor in the manufacture of a medicine for improving the subjective symptoms of dry eye. (Item C27) Use of any of the preceding items, wherein the (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide is preferably (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-((7R)-7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The present disclosure provides a novel means for preventing and / or treating dry eye, which can preferably achieve improvement in subjective symptoms, and more preferably improve both subjective and objective symptoms. Furthermore, the composition or method of the present disclosure can provide a fast-acting treatment for dry eye. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows changes in superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) scores in rats after drug administration. Compared with vehicle eye drops, the 0.3% w / v Compound (1) suspension significantly reduced SPK scores 7 days after administration (15 days after surgery), and this effect persisted 14 days after administration (22 days after surgery). The scopolamine-induced rat dry eye model is referred to as SCOP, and the model in which saline was used instead of scopolamine is referred to as Saline. [Figure 2] 2 shows the number of blinks in 5 minutes 0.5 hours after administration of the vehicle eye drop or 0.1 w / v%, 0.3 w / v%, or 1.0 w / v% Compound (1) suspension eye drop. Compound (1) reduced the number of blinks in the range of 0.1 w / v% to 1.0 w / v%, with significant effects observed at 0.3 w / v% and 1.0 w / v%. [Figure 3]3 shows the number of blinks for 5 minutes 0.5 hours after a single instillation of the vehicle eye drops or 0.5, 4, or 8 hours after a single instillation of the 1.0 w / v% Compound (1) suspension eye drops. The number of blinks 0.5, 4, and 8 hours after administration of the 1.0 w / v% Compound (1) suspension eye drops was reduced compared to the number of blinks 0.5 hours after administration of the vehicle eye drops, and the number of blinks was significantly reduced particularly at 0.5 and 4 hours. [Figure 4] 4 shows changes in SPK scores in rats after repeated instillation of a vehicle eye drop or a 1.0 w / v% Compound (1) suspension eye drop for 8 days. The 1.0 w / v% Compound (1) suspension eye drop reduced the SPK score 7 days after administration (15 days after surgery) compared with the vehicle eye drop. [Figure 5] 5 shows the number of blinks in rats over a 5-minute period after repeated administration of a vehicle eye drop or a 1.0 w / v% Compound (1) suspension eye drop for 8 days. The 1.0 w / v% Compound (1) suspension eye drop reduced the number of blinks compared to the vehicle eye drop. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present disclosure will be described below. Throughout this specification, singular expressions should be understood to include the plural concept unless otherwise specified. Therefore, singular articles (e.g., "a," "an," "the," etc. in English) should be understood to include the plural concept unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, it should be understood that terms used in this specification are used in the sense commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. Therefore, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In the case of conflict, the present specification (including definitions) will prevail.

[0015] (definition) In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the term "about" means ±10% of the following numerical value.

[0016] As used herein, the term "subject" refers to the subject of administration (transplantation) of the therapeutic and preventive medicine or method of the present disclosure, and examples of subjects include mammals (e.g., humans, mice, rats, hamsters, rabbits, cats, dogs, cows, horses, sheep, monkeys, etc.), with primates being preferred, and humans being particularly preferred.

[0017] In this specification, "or" is used when "at least one or more" of the items listed in the sentence can be employed. The same applies to "or" and "alternative." When "within a range" of "two values" is specified in this specification, the range includes the two values ​​themselves.

[0018] As used herein, "treatment" means curing or ameliorating a disease or symptom, or suppressing or alleviating a symptom. "Treating dry eye" includes treating objective or subjective symptoms.

[0019] As used herein, the term "prophylaxis" means preventing the onset of a disease or symptom, and this concept also encompasses minimizing the onset of a disease or symptom by delaying the onset of the disease or symptom or by treating before the onset of the disease or symptom.

[0020] As used herein, "pharmaceutically acceptable salts" refers to relatively non-toxic, inorganic or organic acid addition salts of the compounds of the present disclosure. These salts can be prepared temporarily during the final isolation and purification of the compounds, or by separately reacting the purified compound in its free base form with a suitable organic or inorganic acid and isolating the salt so formed.

[0021] As used herein, the term "solvate" refers to a solvate of the compound of the present disclosure or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and includes, for example, a solvate with an organic solvent (e.g., a solvate with an alcohol (such as ethanol)), a hydrate, etc. When a hydrate is formed, it may be coordinated with any number of water molecules. Examples of hydrates include monohydrates and dihydrates.

[0022] As used herein, "dry eye" refers to a disease diagnosed as "dry eye" according to clinical diagnostic criteria, and is defined as "a multifactorial disease of the tears and ocular surface caused by various factors, and accompanied by ocular discomfort, visual abnormalities, tear film instability, or ocular surface damage." Dry eye is typically diagnosed by observing a BUT of 5 seconds or less using fluorescein staining and the presence of subjective symptoms (ocular discomfort or visual abnormalities).

[0023] As used herein, the term "subjective symptoms" refers to symptoms of a disease that can be perceived by a patient suffering from the disease.

[0024] In this specification, the term "objective symptoms" refers to disease symptoms that can be objectively proven by findings (objective findings) such as imaging findings or numerical values ​​from test results.

[0025] As used herein, "eye discomfort" refers to a symptom of eye discomfort or constant eye discomfort.

[0026] In this specification, "eye discomfort associated with dryness" refers to eye discomfort caused by dryness such as low humidity, and does not include eye pain.

[0027] As used herein, the term "aqueous tear-deficient dry eye" refers to dry eye that develops due to tissue destruction of the lacrimal gland or impaired tear conduction from the lacrimal gland to the ocular surface caused by Sjögren's syndrome, aging, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), etc., and results in a decrease in tear production.

[0028] As used herein, "inhibition" of a target refers to reducing or eliminating a phenomenon occurring in the body due to the target of inhibition, and "antagonism" refers to a form of "inhibition" in which the inhibitory effect is achieved by competing with a molecule (ligand, substrate, etc.) that should originally interact with the target.

[0029] As used herein, "inhibiting the Vi / Vc region" refers to reducing or eliminating nerve excitation in the Vi / Vc region of the medulla oblongata, that is, the transmission of signals for nociception.

[0030] As used herein, the term "Vi / Vc region inhibitor" refers to an agent for inhibiting the Vi / Vc region. Examples of "Vi / Vc region inhibitors" include any substance, factor, or means that reduces or eliminates neural excitation in the Vi / Vc region compared to the absence of the substance, factor, or means having the effect.

[0031] As used herein, the term "kit" refers to a unit in which the components to be provided (e.g., therapeutic agents, prophylactic agents, their respective components, instructions, etc.) are provided, usually separated into two or more compartments.

[0032] As used herein, "instructions" refers to written instructions to a physician or other user on how to use the present disclosure.

[0033] (compound) The present disclosure may provide a composition comprising (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or a method of use thereof. (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide includes the R-form (CAS. No. 920332-28-1), the S-form (CAS. No. 920332-29-2), or the racemic form (CAS. No. 920332-27-0), and is more preferably the R-form ((E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-((7R)-7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide (also referred to as compound (1) in the present disclosure)).

[0034] The pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of the present disclosure is not particularly limited as long as it is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, and specific examples thereof include mineral acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and phosphoric acid; aliphatic monocarboxylic acids such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, enanthic acid, capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, lactic acid, sorbic acid, and mandelic acid; aromatic monocarboxylic acids such as benzoic acid and salicylic acid; aliphatic dicarboxylic acids such as oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid; and aliphatic tricarboxylic acids such as citric acid. Examples of suitable salts include organic carboxylic acids; organic sulfonic acids such as aliphatic sulfonic acids such as methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, and 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, and aromatic sulfonic acids such as benzenesulfonic acid and p-toluenesulfonic acid; acid addition salts with acidic amino acids such as aspartic acid and glutamic acid, and salts with metals such as alkali metals or alkaline earth metals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium; salts with organic bases such as methylamine, ethylamine, ethanolamine, pyridine, lysine, arginine, and ornithine; and ammonium salts.

[0035] These salts can be obtained by a conventional method, for example, by mixing a solution containing equivalent amounts of the compounds of the present disclosure and the desired acid or base, and collecting the desired salt by filtration or by distilling off the solvent. In addition, the compounds of the present disclosure or salts thereof can form solvates with solvents such as water, ethanol, and glycerol.

[0036] (E)-2-(7-Trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide has excellent Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (hereinafter referred to as "TRPV1." TRPV1 is also called "Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1" or "Vanilloid Receptor 1 (VR1)") antagonistic activity.

[0037] For the R-form (compound (1)), S-form, or racemic mixture of ((E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, see WO 2007 / 010383, JP 4754566, JP 6230743, and WO 2018 / 221543. The R-form (compound (1)), S-form, or racemic mixture can be produced by the production methods described in those publications. The contents of those publications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0038] TRPV1 was cloned from the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) as a capsaicin-responsive cation channel. It is also sensitive to heat above 43°C and protons, and is a TRP channel that has been studied as a key molecule in nociception (Biochemistry, Vol. 85, No. 7: 561-565). TRPV1 activity is known to increase during inflammation and tissue injury, causing hyperalgesia. Therefore, TRPV1 has attracted attention as a potential drug target for pain treatment.

[0039] TRPV1 antagonists have been reported to be effective against various pain models, such as inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, and osteoarthritis pain (Biochemistry, Vol. 85, No. 7: 561-565).

[0040] In the examples of the present disclosure, it has been shown that (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof can be used as a Vi / Vc region inhibitor. The present disclosure may provide a Vi / Vc region inhibitor comprising (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. Because (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide has Vi / Vc region inhibitory activity, it can also be used to improve the subjective symptoms of dry eye, as described in detail elsewhere herein, and is expected to be particularly effective in treating ocular discomfort associated with dryness.

[0041] (Dry Eyes) The present disclosure may provide compositions, medicaments, methods, etc. for preventing and / or treating dry eye. The present disclosure indicates that (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide (which may be a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, etc.) can be used to treat dry eye. In another embodiment, the present disclosure indicates that a Vi / Vc region inhibitor can be used to treat dry eye. Treatment or prevention of dry eye treated with the composition of the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, improvement in subjective symptoms or objective symptoms.

[0042] (Improvement of subjective symptoms) In one embodiment, the composition, medicament, or method of the present disclosure may be used to improve subjective symptoms of dry eye. In another embodiment, the composition, medicament, or method of the present disclosure may be used to improve symptomatic dry eye. The composition of the present disclosure can improve subjective symptoms, thereby improving, but is not limited to, ocular discomfort, dryness, visual function, eye fatigue, foreign body sensation, photophobia, or blurred vision. From the viewpoint of effectively suppressing weaker irritation, the composition of the present disclosure preferably improves ocular discomfort or dryness, more preferably ocular discomfort.

[0043] (eye discomfort) In one embodiment, the composition of the present disclosure can suppress ocular discomfort. The ocular discomfort suppressed by the composition of the present disclosure is not particularly limited, but may be caused by dryness, inflammation, instability of the tear film, or the like. From the viewpoint of having a stronger therapeutic effect, the composition of the present disclosure preferably suppresses ocular discomfort associated with dryness.

[0044] (Improvement of objective symptoms) In one embodiment, the composition, medicament, or method of the present disclosure may be used to improve the objective symptoms of dry eye. In another embodiment, the composition, medicament, or method of the present disclosure may be used to improve dry eye accompanied by objective symptoms. Improvement in the objective symptoms of dry eye may include, for example, changes or improvements in values ​​such as the Schirmer test, fluorescein staining test, tear breakup time (BUT) test, and blink frequency. The composition of the present disclosure can improve the objective symptoms, thereby improving, but not limited to, superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK), tear breakup time (BUT), lacrimation, hyperemia, or corneal and conjunctival epithelial disorders. From the viewpoint of achieving a more effective treatment, the composition of the present disclosure preferably improves superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK).

[0045] (Improvement of subjective and objective symptoms) In a preferred embodiment, the composition, medicament, or method of the present disclosure may be for improving both subjective and objective symptoms of dry eye. In another preferred embodiment, the composition, medicament, or method of the present disclosure may be for improving dry eye accompanied by both subjective and objective symptoms. The subjective and objective symptoms may be any of those described elsewhere herein. In this preferred embodiment, the composition of the present disclosure may be advantageous in that it can improve, treat, or suppress both subjective and objective symptoms at the same time, without wishing to be bound by theory.

[0046] (corneal epithelial disorder) In another aspect, the composition of the present disclosure can treat corneal epithelial disorders. Corneal epithelial disorders that can be treated with the composition of the present disclosure are diseases accompanied by damage (i.e., wounds or defects) to corneal epithelial cells, and include, but are not limited to, corneal epithelial disorders caused by intrinsic diseases such as aqueous lacrimation, Sjögren's syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and dry eye syndrome (dry eye), as well as extrinsic diseases such as postoperative, drug-induced, traumatic, and contact lens wear disorders. In addition, the composition of the present disclosure can promote corneal wound healing.

[0047] (type of dry eye) Dry eye has been classified in several ways, but it can be broadly divided into aqueous-deficient, evaporative, and shortened BUT types. Aqueous-deficient dry eye develops due to tissue destruction of the lacrimal gland or impaired tear conduction from the lacrimal gland to the ocular surface caused by Sjögren's syndrome, aging, or graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Severe cases often develop severe corneal epithelial damage (see "Read and Understand! Understand and Change! Dry Eye Treatment," Medical View, October 1, 2017, pp. 46-58; "Qualifications for Ophthalmology Specialists 19: The Path to Becoming a Dry Ice Specialist," Nakayama Shoten, November 5, 2013, pp. 103-106). On the other hand, evaporative dry eye is a type of dry eye that develops when tear secretion is normal but excessive moisture loss occurs from the exposed ocular surface due to meibomian gland dysfunction, incomplete eyelid closure (e.g., lagophthalmos), or decreased blinking due to VDT (visual display terminal) work. (Ibid.) Furthermore, short BUT type is a type of dry eye in which the BUT is short and the patient has subjective symptoms of dry eye, but tear secretion and the corneal and conjunctival epithelium are nearly normal ("Revised Definition and Diagnostic Criteria of Dry Eye in Japan (2016 Edition) New Ophthalmology," Medical Aoi Publishing, March 2017, pp. 309-313). Dry eye that can be treated or prevented with the composition of the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, aqueous-deficient dry eye, evaporative dry eye, and short BUT type dry eye. The composition of the present disclosure is preferably used to treat aqueous-deficient dry eye, as it has a stronger therapeutic effect.

[0048] (Inhibition of the Vi / Vc region) When the eyes of normal animals are forcibly dried, the number of c-Fos-positive cells, a marker of neural excitation, increases in the Vi / Vc region of the medulla oblongata. This suggests that the ocular discomfort associated with dryness is mediated by nerves passing through the Vi / Vc region (The Journal of Neuroscience, April 28, 2004·24(17):4224-4232). Furthermore, the number of c-Fos-positive cells also increases in the Vi / Vc region of the medulla in a rat dry eye model with extraorbital lacrimal gland removal (Neuroscience. 2015. 290. 204-213). This suggests that the ocular discomfort associated with dryness, a subjective symptom of aqueous-deficient dry eye, is mediated by nerves passing through the Vi / Vc region.

[0049] The trigeminal spinal nucleus is divided into the rostral (Vo), intermediate (Vi), and caudal (Vc) subnuclei, and relays nociceptive and non-nociceptive signals, such as pain and touch, from the orofacial region. Corneal stimuli are transmitted primarily via the Vc / c1 or Vi / Vc pathways (J Neurophysiol. 1997 Jan;77(1):43-56.), with different areas responding depending on the type of stimulus. It is known that the Vc / c1 region responds to nociceptive stimuli such as heat and capsaicin, i.e., strong stimuli (Headache. 2012 February; 52(2): 262-273, "Effects of estrogen on nociception induced by capsaicin stimulation of the trigeminal nerve region," Kazuaki Yamagata, Osaka University paper), whereas the Vi / Vc region responds to weak stimuli such as dryness (The Journal of Neuroscience, April 28, 2004·24(17):4224-4232).

[0050] Most of the currently approved prescription eye drops for dry eye only improve objective symptoms, and to the applicant's knowledge, none directly treat subjective symptoms in addition to objective symptoms. Therefore, an eye drop for treating dry eye that improves both objective and subjective symptoms is highly desirable.

[0051] The composition of the present disclosure may be characterized by administering the composition to a patient who has subjective symptoms of ocular discomfort and has been diagnosed with dry eye.The composition of the present disclosure may be characterized by administering the composition to a patient who has objective signs of superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) and has been diagnosed with dry eye.

[0052] (Vi / Vc domain inhibitor) In one aspect of the present disclosure, a Vi / Vc region inhibitor may be provided. The Vi / Vc region inhibitor of the present disclosure may alter the transmission of signals in response to nociception in the Vi / Vc region, for example, by reducing the number of c-Fos-expressing cells in the Vi / Vc region after nociception. When memory- or anxiety-related behavioral experiments are performed, neurons that respond to the stimulation show increased c-Fos expression at the mRNA level approximately 30 minutes later and at the protein level 1 to 2 hours later. c-Fos is used as an indicator of neuronal activity.

[0053] Examples of Vi / Vc region inhibitors include substances that suppress the excitation of the Vi / Vc region and substances that suppress the function of the Vi / Vc region. Vi / Vc region inhibitors also include combinations of multiple substances that inhibit the excitation of the Vi / Vc region. In the present disclosure, the Vi / Vc region inhibitor may be a Vi / Vc region inhibitor compound. Representative examples of the Vi / Vc region inhibitor compound include, but are not limited to, the compounds described in the Vi / Vc region inhibitor compound provided in the present disclosure (e.g., (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide or compound (1), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, etc.). Substances that can be used as Vi / Vc region inhibitors also include other biological molecules with specific functions, such as antibodies and nucleic acids.

[0054] Other examples of Vi / Vc region inhibitors include, for example, means for genetic modification to suppress the excitation or function of the Vi / Vc region, cells having activity to suppress the excitation or function of the Vi / Vc region, etc. The Vi / Vc region inhibitors of the present disclosure may also be effective for diseases or conditions in which regulation of the Vi / Vc region is useful.

[0055] Substances that inhibit the excitation of the Vi / Vc region or that inhibit the function of the Vi / Vc region may include low molecular weight compounds, high molecular weight compounds, nucleic acids, or antibodies that inhibit the excitation of the Vi / Vc region, or low molecular weight compounds, high molecular weight compounds, nucleic acids, or antibodies that inhibit the function of the Vi / Vc region.

[0056] (Vi / Vc domain inhibitor compound) In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a compound that can be used as a Vi / Vc region inhibitor is provided. Examples of compounds that can be used as a Vi / Vc region inhibitor include (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide or compound (1) described herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

[0057] The pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound that can be used as a Vi / Vc region inhibitor is not particularly limited as long as it is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, and specific examples thereof include mineral acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and phosphoric acid; aliphatic monocarboxylic acids such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, enanthic acid, capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, lactic acid, sorbic acid, and mandelic acid; aromatic monocarboxylic acids such as benzoic acid and salicylic acid; aliphatic dicarboxylic acids such as oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid; and aliphatic monocarboxylic acids such as citric acid. Examples of suitable salts include organic carboxylic acids such as tricarboxylic acids; organic sulfonic acids such as aliphatic sulfonic acids such as methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, and 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, and aromatic sulfonic acids such as benzenesulfonic acid and p-toluenesulfonic acid; acid addition salts with acidic amino acids such as aspartic acid and glutamic acid, salts with metals such as alkali metals or alkaline earth metals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, salts with organic bases such as methylamine, ethylamine, ethanolamine, pyridine, lysine, arginine, and ornithine, and ammonium salts.

[0058] (Use of Vi / Vc domain inhibitors) In one aspect of the present disclosure, there may be provided a composition, a medicament, or a method using the same for preventing or treating dry eye, comprising a Vi / Vc region inhibitor. The composition, the medicament, or the method using the same comprising the Vi / Vc region inhibitor may be for improving subjective symptoms of dry eye, for example, for suppressing ocular discomfort associated with dryness. The composition comprising the Vi / Vc region inhibitor or the method using the same may further improve dry eye. The composition comprising the Vi / Vc region inhibitor may be in the form of an eye drop. The composition comprising the Vi / Vc region inhibitor may be in the form of a suspension. Dry eye may be treated with aqueous-deficient dry eye. The composition comprising the Vi / Vc region inhibitor may be administered to a patient who has subjective symptoms of ocular discomfort and has been diagnosed with dry eye. The present disclosure may provide a composition for suppressing ocular discomfort associated with dryness, comprising the Vi / Vc region inhibitor. The present disclosure may also provide a composition for improving subjective symptoms of dry eye, comprising the Vi / Vc region inhibitor.

[0059] In another aspect, a composition, a medicament, or a method of using the same for suppressing or ameliorating eye discomfort associated with dryness, comprising a Vi / Vc region inhibitor, may be provided. In this use, the subject patient does not need to be diagnosed with dry eye. In the present disclosure, it has been discovered that regulating the Vi / Vc region can suppress or ameliorate eye discomfort, leading to the provision of this use.

[0060] The subjective symptoms of dry eye, particularly aqueous-deficient dry eye (e.g., ocular discomfort associated with dryness) are thought to be perceived primarily through the Vi / Vc region, and Vi / Vc region inhibitors can improve such symptoms. Additionally, the examples herein show that Vi / Vc region inhibitors can improve objective symptoms of dry eye (e.g., superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK)).

[0061] (Dosage form) The composition of the present disclosure can be formulated into a suitable dosage form.For example, when the composition of the present disclosure is an ophthalmic composition, it can be provided as an eye injection, eye ointment, eye drops, or eye irrigation solution.The composition can be formulated into any dosage form, such as an aerosol, a liquid, an extract, an elixir, a capsule, a granule, a pill, an ointment, a powder, a tablet, a solution, a suspension, or an emulsion.

[0062] For example, the ophthalmic composition may be provided in the form of a suspension in which the active ingredient is suspended or dissolved in an aqueous solvent (e.g., phosphate buffered saline). The composition of the present disclosure may be an eye drop. The composition of the present disclosure may be a suspension.

[0063] The compositions of the present disclosure may be administered by any suitable route as determined by one of skill in the art, and may be formulated to be suitable for administration by a route of administration selected from, but not limited to, ocular injection, topical application (including application to the eye), eye drops, intravenous injection, infusion, oral, parenteral, transdermal, etc.

[0064] (additives and / or excipients) The compositions may contain any pharmaceutically acceptable additives and / or excipients known in the art, including, but not limited to, stabilizers, pH adjusting agents, buffers, preservatives, and surfactants.

[0065] The stabilizer may be sodium hydrogen sulfite, and its content is preferably 0 to about 1 w / v % based on the total amount of the composition.

[0066] Examples of pH adjusters include acids such as carbonic acid, acetic acid, and citric acid, and further include bases such as alkali metal hydroxides such as potassium hydroxide, alkali metal carbonates or hydrogencarbonates such as sodium carbonate, alkali metal acetates such as sodium acetate, and alkali metal citrates such as sodium citrate, and the content thereof can be, for example, 0 to about 20 w / v % of the total amount of the composition.

[0067] Examples of preservatives include sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, parahydroxybenzoic acid esters such as methyl parahydroxybenzoate, ethyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, and butyl parahydroxybenzoate, quaternary ammonium salts such as chlorhexidine gluconate, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and cetylpyridinium chloride, alkylpolyaminoethylglycine, chlorobutanol, polyquad, polyhexamethylene biguanide, and chlorhexidine. The content can be varied appropriately depending on the type of preservative, and can be, for example, 0 to about 0.2 w / v% of the total amount of the composition.

[0068] The surfactant is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, etc. Nonionic surfactants are preferred from the viewpoint of lower toxicity.

[0069] The nonionic surfactant is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polyoxyethylene (40) monostearate (polyoxyl 40 stearate), sorbitan sesquioleate (sorbitan sesquioleate), and polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (polysorbate 80).

[0070] The anionic surfactant is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl sulfates, aliphatic α-sulfomethyl esters, and α-olefin sulfonic acids.

[0071] The cationic surfactant is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include benzalkonium chloride and benzethonium chloride.

[0072] The content of the surfactant is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0 to about 1.0 w / v % relative to the total amount of the composition.

[0073] Eye drops can be prepared, for example, by dissolving or suspending the desired components in an aqueous solvent such as sterilized purified water, physiological saline, or a buffer solution (e.g., phosphate buffer, citrate buffer, or acetate buffer), or in a non-aqueous solvent such as a vegetable oil such as cottonseed oil, soybean oil, sesame oil, or peanut oil, adjusting the osmotic pressure to a predetermined level, and subjecting the solution to a sterilization treatment such as filtration sterilization. When preparing a suspension, a surfactant may be added.

[0074] When preparing an eye ointment, in addition to the various ingredients described above, an ointment base can be contained. Examples of the ointment base include, but are not limited to, oil-based bases such as petrolatum, liquid paraffin, and polyethylene; and water-soluble bases such as emulsion bases in which an oil phase and an aqueous phase are emulsified with a surfactant or the like.

[0075] The compositions of the present disclosure as therapeutic or prophylactic agents can be provided as kits. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides pharmaceutical packs or kits comprising one or more containers filled with one or more components of the compositions or medicaments of the present disclosure. Optionally, such containers can also be associated with information indicating approval by a government agency for the manufacture, use, or sale for human administration, in a manner prescribed by the government agency regulating the manufacture, use, or sale of pharmaceuticals or biological products.

[0076] (kit) As used herein, the term "kit" is not particularly limited, but is used when the purpose is to provide a composition that should not be provided in a mixed state for reasons of stability, etc., but is preferably mixed immediately before use. Such kits advantageously include instructions or manuals describing how to use the provided components (e.g., therapeutic agents, prophylactic agents) or how to handle the reagents. When the kit is used herein as a reagent kit, the kit typically includes instructions, etc., describing how to use the therapeutic agents, prophylactic agents, etc.

[0077] (Instructions) As used herein, "instructions" are not particularly limited, and include, for example, instructions for the detection method of the present disclosure, how to use a diagnostic agent, or administering a medicine or the like. The instructions may also include instructions for administration to the eye (e.g., by eye drops, eye ointment, injection, etc.) as the administration site. The instructions are prepared in accordance with a format specified by the regulatory agency of the country in which the present disclosure is implemented (e.g., the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, etc.), and clearly state that they have been approved by the regulatory agency. The instructions are what is known as a package insert or label, and are usually provided in paper form, but are not limited thereto, and may also be provided in the form of, for example, electronic media (e.g., a homepage provided on the Internet, email, etc.).

[0078] (Information in the attached document) In light of the information based on clinical trials provided in this disclosure, instructions such as a package insert (label in the United States, etc.) may include information on efficacy and effects (which may include characteristics of the target patient or the target disease, disorder, or symptom), administration method, dosage, and precautions for use.

[0079] (Route of administration) In one embodiment, examples of uses of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, eye drops, and other administration forms (administration methods and dosage forms) such as eye ointments, injections into the anterior chamber, impregnation in sustained-release agents, subconjunctival injections, and systemic administration (oral administration, intravenous injection).

[0080] (dose) The concentration of the compound of the present disclosure is not particularly limited, but is usually about 0.1 to about 100,000 μM (μmol / L). From the viewpoint of less toxicity and greater effectiveness, it is preferably about 0.5 to about 80,000 μM. From the viewpoint of more significant effects, it is more preferably about 5 to about 80,000 μM, even more preferably about 50 to about 75,000 μM, particularly preferably about 500 to about 70,000 μM, even more preferably about 2,000 to about 50,000 μM, and most preferably about 5,000 to about 30,000 μM. Other concentration ranges are, for example, usually about 0.1 to about 1 μM, about 1 to about 10 μM, about 10 to about 100 μM, about 100 to about 1000 μM, about 1000 to about 2000 μM, about 2000 to about 4000 μM, about 4000 to about 7000 μM, about 7000 to about 10000 μM, about 10000 to about 12000 μM, about 12000 to about 15000 μM, and about 15000 to about 2000 μM. Examples of the upper and lower limits include, but are not limited to, about 20,000 to about 22,000 μM, about 22,000 to about 25,000 μM, about 25,000 to about 30,000 μM, about 30,000 to about 40,000 μM, about 40,000 to about 50,000 μM, about 50,000 to about 70,000 μM, about 70,000 to about 85,000 μM, or about 85,000 to about 100,000 μM. These upper and lower limits can be set in appropriate combinations.

[0081] The concentration of the compound of the present disclosure is not particularly limited, but may be about 0.00001 to about 5.0 w / v%. From the viewpoint of less toxicity and greater effectiveness, it is preferably about 0.00003 to about 3.0 w / v%, and from the viewpoint of more significant effects, it is more preferably about 0.0003 to about 3.0 w / v%, even more preferably about 0.003 to about 2.0 w / v%, particularly preferably about 0.03 to about 1.5 w / v%, even more preferably about 0.1 to about 1.0 w / v%, and most preferably about 0.3 to about 1.0 w / v%. The compound of the present disclosure may be effective over a wide range of concentrations. Other examples of concentrations of the compounds of the present disclosure include about 0.00001 to about 0.0001 w / v%, about 0.0001 to about 0.001 w / v%, about 0.001 to about 0.01 w / v%, about 0.01 to about 0.02 w / v%, about 0.02 to about 0.05 w / v%, about 0.05 to about 0.1 w / v%, about 0.1 to about 0.2 w / v%, about 0.2 to about 0.3 w / v%, and about 0.3 to about 0.4 w / v%. / v%, about 0.4 to about 0.5 w / v%, about 0.5 to about 0.6 w / v%, about 0.6 to about 0.7 w / v%, about 0.7 to about 0.8 w / v%, about 0.8 to about 0.9 w / v%, about 0.9 to about 1 w / v%, about 1 to about 1.1 w / v%, about 1.1 to about 1.2 w / v%, about 1.2 to about 1.3 w / v%, about 1.3 to about 1.4 w / v%, about 1.4 to about 1.5 w / v%, etc. These upper and lower limits can be set in appropriate combination.

[0082] The concentration of the eye drops is not particularly limited, but may be about 0.00001 to about 5.0 w / v%. From the viewpoint of less toxicity and greater effectiveness, it is preferably about 0.00003 to about 3.0 w / v%, and from the viewpoint of achieving a more significant effect, it is more preferably about 0.0003 to about 3.0 w / v%, even more preferably about 0.003 to about 2.0 w / v%, particularly preferably about 0.03 to about 1.5 w / v%, even more preferably about 0.1 to about 1.0 w / v%, and most preferably about 0.3 to about 1.0 w / v%. The compounds of the present disclosure may be effective over a wide range of concentrations. Other examples of concentrations of the compounds of the present disclosure include about 0.00001 to about 0.0001 w / v%, about 0.0001 to about 0.001 w / v%, about 0.001 to about 0.01 w / v%, about 0.01 to about 0.02 w / v%, about 0.02 to about 0.05 w / v%, about 0.05 to about 0.1 w / v%, about 0.1 to about 0.2 w / v%, about 0.2 to about 0.3 w / v%, and about 0.3 to about 0.4 w / v%. / v%, about 0.4 to about 0.5 w / v%, about 0.5 to about 0.6 w / v%, about 0.6 to about 0.7 w / v%, about 0.7 to about 0.8 w / v%, about 0.8 to about 0.9 w / v%, about 0.9 to about 1 w / v%, about 1 to about 1.1 w / v%, about 1.1 to about 1.2 w / v%, about 1.2 to about 1.3 w / v%, about 1.3 to about 1.4 w / v%, about 1.4 to about 1.5 w / v%, etc. These upper and lower limits can be set in appropriate combination.

[0083] The effective amount of the pharmaceuticals of the present disclosure effective in treating a particular disease, disorder, or condition may vary depending on the nature of the disorder or condition, but can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art using standard clinical techniques based on the disclosure herein. Furthermore, in vitro assays may be used, if necessary, to help identify optimal dosage ranges. The precise dose to be used in the formulation may also vary depending on the route of administration and the severity of the disease or disorder, and should be determined according to the judgment of the attending physician and each patient's circumstances. However, the dosage is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 0.001, 1, 5, 10, 15, 100, or 1000 mg / kg body weight per dose, or within any two ranges therebetween.

[0084] (Sustainability) The duration of the effect when the composition of the present disclosure is administered is not particularly limited, but is 12 hours, preferably 8 hours, and more preferably 4 hours, from the viewpoint of obtaining a stronger therapeutic effect.

[0085] (Fast effect) The immediate effect of administering the composition of the present disclosure is not particularly limited, but the effect can be seen within 5 minutes to 2 hours. From the viewpoint of obtaining a stronger therapeutic effect, the time for administration is preferably 10 minutes to 1 hour, more preferably 20 minutes to 50 minutes, and even more preferably 30 minutes.

[0086] (Dosage interval) The administration interval is not particularly limited, but can be a common administration interval, for example, 1 to 6 times per day. From the viewpoint of obtaining better efficacy and improving patient compliance, the administration is preferably 2 to 5 times per day, more preferably 2 to 4 times per day. The dosage, number of administrations, administration interval, administration period, and administration method may be appropriately selected depending on the patient's age, weight, symptoms, administration form, target organ, etc. For example, the composition of the present disclosure can be used as an eye drop. Furthermore, the therapeutic agent preferably contains a therapeutically effective amount, or an effective amount of an active ingredient that exerts the desired effect. The effective dose can be estimated from a dose-response curve obtained from an in vitro or animal model test system.

[0087] In one embodiment, the present disclosure may include a description of dosage and administration such as, for example, "for use in patients who have subjective symptoms of ocular discomfort and have been diagnosed with dry eye," "for use in patients who have objective signs of superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) and have been diagnosed with dry eye," or "for use in patients who have corneal and conjunctival epithelial disorders and have been diagnosed with dry eye."

[0088] (General technology) The molecular biological, biochemical, and microbiological techniques used herein are well known and commonly used in the art, and are described in, for example, Sambrook J. et al. (1989). Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor and its 3rd Ed. (2001); Ausubel, FM (1987). Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene Pub. Associates and Wiley-Interscience; Ausubel, FM (1989). Short Protocols in Molecular Biology: A Compendium of Methods from Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene Pub. Associates and Wiley-Interscience; Innis, MA (1990). PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications, Academic Press; Ausubel, FM (1992). Short Protocols in Molecular Biology: A Compendium of Methods from Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene Pub. Associates; Ausubel, FM (1995). Short Protocols in Molecular Biology: A Compendium of Methods from Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene Pub. Associates; Innis, MA et al. (1995). PCR Strategies, Academic Press; Ausubel, FM (1999).Short Protocols in Molecular Biology: A Compendium of Methods from Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Wiley, and annual updates; Sninsky, JJet al.(1999).PCR Applications: Protocols for Functional Genomics, Academic Press, Gait, MJ(1985).Oligonucleotide Synthesis: A Practical Approach, IRL Press; Gait, MJ(1990).Oligonucleotide Synthesis: A Practical Approach, IRL Press; Eckstein, F. (1991).Oligonucleotides and Analogues: A Practical Approach, IRL Press; Adams, RL et al.(1992).The Biochemistry of the Nucleic Acids, Chapman & Hall; Shabarova, Z. et al.(1994).Advanced Organic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids, Weinheim; Blackburn, GM et al.(1996).Nucleic Acids in Chemistry and Biology, Oxford University Press; Hermanson, GT (1996). Bioconjugate Techniques, Academic Press; Special Edition of Experimental Medicine "Gene Transfer & Expression Analysis Experimental Methods," Yodosha, 1997. These are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety (perhaps in their entirety).

[0089] All references cited herein, including scientific literature, patents, patent applications, and the like, are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each were specifically set forth.

[0090] The present disclosure has been described above by showing preferred embodiments for ease of understanding. Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described based on examples. However, the above description and the following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or examples specifically described herein, but is limited only by the scope of the claims. [Example]

[0091] Examples of the present disclosure are described below. Where applicable, biological samples and the like were handled in accordance with standards set forth by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, etc., and, where applicable, were handled in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki or ethical standards established based on that declaration.

[0092] (Test Example 1) Effect of 0.3 w / v% Compound (1) on Scopolamine-Induced Dry Eye in Rat Model (Animals used) Male SD rats (weights 254.6g-281.5g upon arrival) purchased from Charles River Japan were used. From the time of arrival until the end of the study, the animals were housed in a vivarium set at a room temperature of 23°C ± 3°C, humidity of 55% ± 10%, and a 12-hour lighting schedule (lights on at 8:00 AM, lights off at 8:00 PM). The animals were fed solid food (Labo MR Stock, manufactured by Nippon Nosan Kogyo) ad libitum and provided with city water sterilized by an automatic water dispenser. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee for Animal Experiments in accordance with the Act on the Welfare and Management of Animals (Act No. 105 of October 1, 1973, last revised by Act No. 46 of May 30, 2014).

[0093] (Test substance) Compound (1) was used as the test substance. Compound (1) was suspended in the vehicle shown in Table 1 to a concentration of 0.3 w / v% and used as a suspension ophthalmic solution. As a control, a vehicle ophthalmic solution consisting of only the vehicle (Table 1) without compound (1) was used. [Table 1]

[0094] (Test Method) (Creation of a scopolamine-induced dry eye model in rats) Scopolamine hydrobromide trihydrate (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was dissolved in physiological saline (Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory) to a concentration of 208.3 mg / mL (hereinafter referred to as SC solution). The SC solution was loaded into an osmotic pump (trade name: Alzet (registered trademark) osmotic pump (model: 2ML4), DURECT Corporation).

[0095] The rats were shaved between the left and right shoulder blades (near the osmotic pump implantation site) and given general anesthesia by inhaling isoflurane (trade name: Foren®, Abbott Japan). The shaved area was disinfected alternately with 10% isodine solution (trade name: Isodine® 10%, Mundipharma) and 70% ethanol. A sterile drape was placed over the incision site, and the skin was incised with a scalpel. Forceps were inserted into the incision to bluntly dissect the subcutaneous connective tissue, creating a pocket large enough to implant the osmotic pump. The subcutaneous connective tissue was sutured using absorbable sutures (trade name: Vicryl, thread thickness: J463, Johnson & Johnson) according to the width of the incision. Next, the skin was sutured using silk sutures (trade name: Needled Silk Braided Suture, product number: F17-30, Natsume Seisakusho) according to the width of the incision. For postoperative pain management, buprenorphine hydrochloride injection (trade name: Repetan (registered trademark) Injection 0.3 mg, manufactured by Otsuka Pharmaceutical) was administered at 0.05 mg / kg, and for infection prevention, benzylpenicillin potassium (trade name: Injectable Penicillin G Potassium 200,000 units, manufactured by Meiji Seika Pharma) was administered at 20,000 units / individual subcutaneously once at a site distant from the incision.

[0096] (Postoperative management) After implantation of the osmotic pump, 0.05 mg / kg of buprenorphine hydrochloride injection and 20,000 units of benzylpenicillin potassium per animal were each administered subcutaneously once at a site distant from the surgical site on the following day and the day after.

[0097] (Administration) For a total of 14 days, from 8 to 21 days after implantation of the osmotic pump, vehicle eye drops or a 0.3 w / v% Compound (1) suspension eye drop was administered by instillation. 5 μL of eye drops were administered to the right eye using a micropipette four times a day with intervals of at least 2 hours. The sham group received vehicle eye drops.

[0098] (Observation of superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK)) Under general anesthesia with isoflurane inhalation, 5 μL of 0.1% sodium fluorescein solution (hereinafter referred to as FL solution) was instilled into the right eye using a micropipette. After several drops of saline were instilled to wash away excess FL solution, the cornea was observed using a slit lamp (Topcon) in three sections: upper, middle, and lower. Each section was scored from 0 to 3 points, for a total of 9 points, according to Table 2. [Table 2]

[0099] (Preparation of Zamboni fixative) Zamboni fixative was prepared by dissolving NaH2PO4·2H2O (Nacalai Tesque, Inc.), Na2HPO4·12H2O (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), paraformaldehyde (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (picric acid, Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd.) in ultrapure water to final concentrations of 0.3%, 2.9%, 2%, and 0.1%, respectively.

[0100] (Counting the number of c-Fos-positive cells) After SPK observation 14 days after administration of the vehicle eye drops or 0.3 w / v% Compound (1) suspension eye drops (22 days after surgery), the animals were anesthetized with isoflurane inhalation. After exsanguination with saline, the medulla oblongata was excised and perfused with Zamboni fixative. The excised medulla oblongata was thinly sectioned and immunohistochemically stained with anti-c-Fos antibody (trade name: Rabbit Anti-Human c-Fos Polyclonal Antibody, sc-52, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc.). The specimens were observed under a fluorescence microscope, and the number of cells with strong staining intensity within the Vi / Vc region stained with anti-c-Fos antibody was counted.

[0101] (result) The effect on SPK is shown in Figure 1, and the effect on the number of c-Fos-positive cells in the Vi / Vc region of the medulla oblongata is shown in Table 3. The 0.3 w / v% Compound (1) suspension eye drop significantly reduced SPK scores 7 days after administration (15 days after surgery) compared with the vehicle eye drop, and this effect persisted 14 days after administration (22 days after surgery). Therefore, Compound (1) was shown to improve objective symptoms.

[0102] Furthermore, the 0.3 w / v% Compound (1) suspension eye drop reduced the number of c-Fos-positive cells in the Vi / Vc region of the medulla oblongata compared with the vehicle eye drop, indicating that Compound (1) inhibits the Vi / Vc region. [Table 3]

[0103] (Test Example 2: Dose-response of Compound (1) on the Number of Blinks in a Dry Environment in a Scopolamine-Induced Rat Dry Eye Model) (Animals used) Male SD rats (weights 253.1g-273.0g at time of arrival) purchased from Charles River Japan were used. From the time of arrival until the day of breeding in a low-humidity environment, the animals were housed in a vivarium set at 23°C ± 3°C, 55% ± 10% RH, and a 12-hour lighting schedule (lights on at 8:00 AM, lights off at 8:00 PM). The animals were fed solid food (Labo MR Stock, manufactured by Nippon Nosan Kogyo) ad libitum and provided free access to ultrafiltered city water via a water bottle. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee for Animal Experiments in accordance with the Act on the Welfare and Management of Animals (Act No. 105 of October 1, 1973, last revised: Act No. 46 of May 30, 2014).

[0104] (Test substance) Compound (1) was used as the test substance. Similar to Test Example 1, Compound (1) was suspended in a buffer solution to prepare suspension ophthalmic solutions containing Compound (1) at concentrations of 0.1 w / v%, 0.3% w / v, and 1.0 w / v%. In addition, a vehicle ophthalmic solution containing only the vehicle and no Compound (1) was also prepared as a control.

[0105] (Test Method) (Creation of a scopolamine-induced dry eye model in rats) A scopolamine-induced dry eye model was prepared in rats in the same manner as in Test Example 1.

[0106] (low humidity environment) Approximately 2.5 hours after implanting the osmotic pump, dry air supplied by an air compressor was sent into the experimental chamber (SJ-1500N, Natsume Seisakusho) to create a low humidity environment (20% RH or less).

[0107] (Administration) 0.5 hours before measuring the number of blinks, 5 μL of the vehicle eye drop or 0.1 w / v%, 0.3 w / v%, or 1.0 w / v% Compound (1) suspension eye drop was administered to the right eye using a micropipette.

[0108] (Measurement of blink frequency) After the eighth day of rearing in the low-humidity environment, the rats were removed from their rearing cages and placed in cages made entirely of wire mesh (behavioral measurement cages) to facilitate measurement of blink frequency. After 0.5 hours of acclimation to a normal environment, the behavioral measurement cages were transferred to the experimental chamber, and the blink frequency of the rats' right eyes was measured for 5 minutes in a low-humidity environment. The same animals were used in four separate trials (crossover trials) with a washout period of at least two days.

[0109] (result) The results are shown in Figure 2. Compound (1) reduced the blink rate in the range of 0.1 w / v% to 1.0 w / v%, with significant effects observed at 0.3 w / v% and 1.0 w / v%. Therefore, compound (1) was shown to improve subjective symptoms over a wide concentration range.

[0110] Test Example 3: Durability of Compound (1) on the Number of Blinks in a Dry Environment in a Scopolamine-Induced Rat Dry Eye Model The durability of the effect of improving subjective symptoms was examined using the same evaluation method as in Test Example 2. The number of blinks of the right eye was measured for 5 minutes in a low-humidity environment 0.5 hours after a single instillation of the vehicle ophthalmic solution or 0.5, 4, or 8 hours after a single instillation of the 1.0 w / v% Compound (1) suspension ophthalmic solution.

[0111] The results are shown in Figure 3. The number of blinks at 0.5, 4, and 8 hours after administration of the 1.0 w / v% Compound (1) suspension eye drops was able to be reduced compared to the number of blinks at 0.5 hours after administration of the vehicle eye drops, and the number of blinks was particularly significantly reduced at 0.5 and 4 hours. This indicates that Compound (1) maintains its effect of improving subjective symptoms for a long period of time.

[0112] (Test Example 4: Long-term administration test in a scopolamine-induced dry eye model in rats) A 1.0 w / v% Compound (1) ophthalmic suspension was administered for a long period of time to a scopolamine-induced dry eye model rat prepared in the same manner as in Test Example 2. The model was maintained in a low humidity environment (20% RH or less) only when measuring the blink frequency.

[0113] One week after implantation of the osmotic pump, 1.0 w / v% Compound (1) suspension and vehicle eye drops were administered repeatedly for 8 days. 5 μL of the 1.0 w / v% Compound (1) suspension and vehicle eye drops were administered to the right eye using a micropipette four times a day.

[0114] On the 8th day after administration of the sample, the SPK improvement effect (SPK score) was evaluated using the same method as in Test Example 1. In addition, using the same method as in Test Example 2, the number of blinks of the right eye was measured for 5 minutes in a low-humidity environment 4 hours after the initial administration on the 7th day after administration (2 weeks after surgery).

[0115] The effect on SPK is shown in Figure 4. The 1.0 w / v% Compound (1) suspension ophthalmic solution significantly reduced the SPK score compared to the vehicle ophthalmic solution.

[0116] The effect on the number of blinks in a low humidity environment is shown in Figure 5. The 1.0 w / v% Compound (1) suspension ophthalmic solution reduced the number of blinks compared to the vehicle ophthalmic solution.

[0117] (Consideration) The results of Table 3 in Test Example 1 herein demonstrate that compound (1) has an effect of inhibiting the Vi / Vc region. Furthermore, Figure 1 in Test Example 1 and Figures 2 and 3 in Test Examples 2 and 3 demonstrate that compound (1) has the effect of improving objective symptoms and subjective symptoms. Therefore, compound (1) was shown to have a therapeutic effect on dry eye.

[0118] Furthermore, although it is not certain, it is presumed that compound (1) has the effect of inhibiting the Vi / Vc region, thereby improving the objective and subjective symptoms, which are the therapeutic effects of dry eye. In other words, it is presumed that dry eye can be treated by inhibiting the Vi / Vc region.

[0119] (Test Example 5: Clinical Trial Example) (Measurement items) Primary endpoint Safety and tolerability of compound (1) The number and severity of adverse events, including abnormal changes in clinical laboratory results, vital signs, and physical and ophthalmologic examinations; and the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of Compound (1). max , t max , AUC 0-last , AUC 0-∞ , t last , AUC %extrap , t 1 / 2 , MRT 0-last , MRT 0-∞ , Vd / F, CL / F measurements. Effectiveness of Compound (1) Difference between Compound (1) and placebo in change in dry eye symptoms (visual analog scale [VAS]) Secondary endpoints Effectiveness of Compound (1) Changes in dry eye symptoms (CFS score (upper, lower, temporal, nasal, overall), conjunctival Lissamine Green staining score, lid wiper epithelial damage score, tear film breakup time (TBUT)) Changes in dry eye symptoms (VAS, Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI]) (R) ], Dry Eye Questionnaire-5 [DEQ-5] score)

[0120] (protocol) (A) Single dose Eligible subjects will be screened and randomized to receive a single dose of placebo or a specific concentration of Compound (1) eye drops.

[0121] Blood samples for PK measurements will be collected pre-dose and at predetermined time points post-dose. The above measurements will be evaluated for post-dose ocular and systemic safety assessments.

[0122] (B) Multiple administration Eligible subjects will be screened. Subjects will be randomized to receive either placebo or a specific concentration of Compound (1) eye drops. Multiple doses will be administered over a specific period of time.

[0123] The above measurement items will be evaluated for evaluation of ocular and systemic safety after administration.

[0124] (Test Example 6: Vi / Vc Regulatory Effect) A scopolamine-induced dry eye model was prepared in rats as described in Test Example 1. From 8 to 21 days after implantation of the osmotic pump, a vehicle eye drop or an eye drop containing a test compound was administered by instillation for a total of 14 days. Five microliters of the solution was administered into the right eye using a micropipette four times a day at intervals of at least two hours.

[0125] Fourteen days after administration of the vehicle or test compound-containing eye drops (22 days after surgery), the animals were anesthetized with isoflurane inhalation and sacrificed by exsanguination with saline. The medulla was then excised and perfused with Zamboni fixative. The excised medulla was then thinly sliced ​​and immunohistochemically stained with anti-c-Fos antibody (trade name: Rabbit Anti-Human c-Fos Polyclonal Antibody, sc-52, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc.). The specimens were observed under a fluorescence microscope, and the number of cells stained with anti-c-Fos antibody in the Vi / Vc region with the strongest staining intensity was counted.

[0126] The Vi / Vc region-modulating function of the test compound is confirmed in the same manner as in Test Example 1.

[0127] (Note) While the present disclosure has been illustrated using preferred embodiments thereof, it is understood that the scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted solely by the claims. It is understood that the patents, patent applications, and other documents cited herein are incorporated by reference into this specification in their entirety as if the contents themselves were specifically set forth herein. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-184053, filed on October 4, 2019, with the Japan Patent Office, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if they constitute the content of this application. [Industrial Applicability]

[0128] The present disclosure is applicable to fields such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, biology, and biochemistry.

Claims

1. A composition for treating dry eye, comprising (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide is (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-((7R)-7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by subjective symptoms.

4. The composition according to claim 3, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by eye discomfort due to dryness.

5. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by objective symptoms.

6. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dry eye is accompanied by subjective symptoms and objective symptoms.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the concentration of the (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-((7R)-7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof is about 0.1 to about 1.0 w / v %.

8. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is an eye drop.

9. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is a suspension.

10. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the dry eye is aqueous-deficient dry eye.

11. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the composition is administered to a patient who has a subjective symptom of ocular discomfort and has been diagnosed with dry eye.

12. A Vi / Vc region inhibitor comprising (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

13. The Vi / Vc region inhibitor according to claim 12, wherein the (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide is (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-((7R)-7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide.

14. A suspension for suppressing eye discomfort associated with dryness, comprising about 0.3 to about 1.0 w / v % of (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

15. The suspension according to claim 14, wherein the (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide is (E)-2-(7-trifluoromethylchroman-4-ylidene)-N-((7R)-7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)acetamide.