BDNF Eye Drops with Tamarind Viscosity for Retinal Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ophthalmic preparations containing BDNF are ineffective in achieving neuroprotective effects on the retina due to insufficient concentration and poor delivery methods, such as invasive injections, which fail to maintain retinal function and are not suitable for long-term chronic treatment.

Innovation Solution

Topical conjunctival applications of BDNF eyedrops containing a viscosity-controlling agent like galactoxyloglucan extracted from tamarind seeds (TSP) in concentrations ranging from 15 to 200 µg/µl, ensuring increased retinal absorption and stability of BDNF, thereby preventing retinal alterations and glaucoma-related damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If invasive injections are used to deliver BDNF to the retina, then BDNF concentration in the retina can be increased, but the treatment is not suitable for long-term chronic use and may cause complications

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveBDNF concentration in retinaVSAvoidsuitability for long-term treatment
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the conjunctiva as an intermediary tissue to deliver BDNF to the retina. Instead of directly injecting into the retina, BDNF is applied topically to the conjunctiva where it can be absorbed and transported to the retina through the conjunctival vessels, avoiding invasive procedures while achieving therapeutic concentrations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical injection system with a topical application system. BDNF is delivered through eye drops or ointments applied to the conjunctival surface, utilizing natural absorption and transport mechanisms rather than forceful injection, making the treatment suitable for chronic use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If standard ophthalmic preparations are used, then the treatment is non-invasive and suitable for long-term use, but BDNF concentration in the retina is insufficient to achieve neuroprotective effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-invasive administrationVSAvoidBDNF concentration in retina
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes several parameters including BDNF concentration in the preparation (1-100 μg/ml), pH (6.5-7.5), osmolarity (280-320 mOsm/kg), and viscosity (10-1000 cP) to maximize retinal delivery. These parameter adjustments ensure sufficient BDNF reaches the retina while maintaining comfort for long-term use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite ophthalmic preparations combining BDNF with carriers such as hyaluronic acid, carboxymethylcellulose, or chondroitin sulfate. These composite formulations enhance BDNF stability, prolong retention time on the ocular surface, and improve penetration efficiency to achieve therapeutic retinal concentrations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If BDNF is administered at low concentrations, then the preparation is well-tolerated for chronic use, but neuroprotective effects are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretinal function maintenanceVSAvoidneuroprotective efficacy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes continuous delivery of BDNF through repeated topical applications maintaining therapeutic concentrations in the retina over time. This continuous exposure ensures sustained neuroprotective effects while allowing the retina to maintain function throughout chronic treatment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent identifies optimal BDNF concentration ranges (1-100 μg/ml in the preparation) that balance efficacy and tolerability. Within this range, the formulation achieves sufficient retinal penetration to produce neuroprotective effects while maintaining pH, osmolarity, and viscosity parameters that ensure patient comfort for chronic use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The described formulation significantly increases retinal BDNF levels, prevents photoreceptor degeneration, and maintains retinal function, effectively treating neurodegenerative disorders like glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa without impairing the retinal response to light, using a non-invasive method suitable for long-term use.

Implementation Method 1

BDNF-based ophthalmic preparations, in particular in the form of eyedrops, containing at least one viscosity-controlling agent, in particular galactoxyloglucan extracted from tamarind seeds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscosity control:

Implementation Method 2

Topical conjunctival applications of BDNF eyedrops containing a viscosity-controlling agent like galactoxyloglucan extracted from tamarind seeds (TSP) in concentrations ranging from 15 to 200 µg/µl, ensuring increased retinal absorption

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2501362B1Ophthalmic preparations based on BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and their use
Publication Date: 2014.10.08 HMFRA HUNGARY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
  • EP2501362B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2501362B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2501362B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The present invention relates to ophthalmic preparations in the form of eyedrops based on BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor). Said preparations can be administered topically to the intact eye surface, and are useful in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders of the retina, optic nerve, lateral geniculate body and visual cortex, in order to prevent reduction of visual capacity and restore the normal visual function.