Beta-Cyclodextrin Ophthalmic Compositions for Dry Eye and MGD

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), blepharitis, and dry eye disease are ineffective in addressing the underlying causes and often lead to side effects due to the use of steroidal androgens, and there is a need for a safe and effective treatment that improves tear film stability.

Innovation Solution

A steroidal-androgen-free ophthalmic composition comprising beta-cyclodextrin derivatives, such as 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, is used to sequester cholesterol and inhibit immune activity, improving meibum composition and reducing inflammation, thereby treating MGD, blepharitis, and dry eye disease.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If steroidal androgens are used to treat MGD and dry eye disease, then meibomian gland function is improved, but side effects occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidside effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the harmful steroidal androgen component from the treatment while retaining the therapeutic benefits through alternative active ingredients (cyclodextrin derivatives) that sequester cholesterol and inhibit immune activity without causing hormonal side effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a non-steroidal, non-hormonal approach using cyclodextrin derivatives that act locally in the eye without systemic absorption, eliminating the need for long-term hormonal management and avoiding cumulative side effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of operation

If current treatments are used for MGD, then some symptoms are relieved, but underlying causes are not addressed and tear film stability is not improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesymptom reliefVSAvoidtear film stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention takes preliminary action by addressing the root cause of MGD through cholesterol sequestration and immune modulation before tear film instability occurs, preventing rather than merely treating symptoms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Cyclodextrin derivatives serve as intermediary molecules that sequester excess cholesterol in the meibomian glands, acting as a mediator to restore proper lipid balance and improve tear film stability without directly replacing hormones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 composition significantly reduces symptoms like light sensitivity and blurred vision, with sustained effects lasting up to 5 months, while avoiding side effects associated with steroidal androgens.

Implementation Method 1

beta-cyclodextrin derivatives, such as 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, is used to sequester cholesterol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSequestration: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3993833B1Compositions for treating eye diseases
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 ADS THERAPEUTICS LLC
  • EP3993833B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3993833B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3993833B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method for treating an eye disease of an affected eye includes administering to the affected eye of a subject in need of such treatment a steroidal-androgen-free composition containing a therapeutically effective amount of beta-cyclodextrin derivative. The eye disease can be meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, or dry eye disease. A steroidal-androgen-free composition includes a beta-cyclodextrin derivative as a sole active pharmaceutical ingredient. The steroidal-androgen-free composition is an ophthalmic composition.