Cyclodextrin Allergen Sequestration for Ocular Allergy Relief
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for allergic conjunctivitis often have limited anti-inflammatory effects and can cause undesirable side effects, and existing therapies fail to provide comprehensive relief from ocular allergy symptoms.
Innovation Solution
Administration of a therapeutically effective amount of cyclodextrin or a composition comprising cyclodextrin to treat allergic conjunctivitis, which can inhibit, bind, or sequester eye allergens and reduce inflammation, either alone or in combination with other pharmaceutically active agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current treatments (antihistamines, corticosteroids, immune response modulators) are used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, then some symptoms are relieved, but anti-inflammatory effects are limited and undesirable side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful allergen substance from the ocular environment using cyclodextrin inclusion complexes. The cyclodextrin selectively binds to and extracts the allergen (such as pollen, dust mite, or pet dander proteins) from the tear film and ocular surface, physically removing the trigger of the allergic response without introducing harmful pharmaceutical agents that cause side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
Cyclodextrin serves as an intermediary substance between the allergen and the ocular tissues. The cyclodextrin inclusion complex acts as a mediator that captures the allergen through host-guest inclusion, preventing direct contact between the allergen and ocular surface receptors, thereby blocking the allergic cascade without requiring direct pharmacological intervention on the inflamed tissues.
2Reliability
If current therapies are used to manage allergic conjunctivitis, then some symptoms are addressed, but comprehensive relief from all ocular allergy symptoms is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclodextrin-based treatment provides multi-functional therapy by simultaneously addressing multiple allergic symptoms through a single mechanism. The cyclodextrin inclusion complex works universally to bind various types of allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander), reduce inflammation, prevent mast cell degranulation, and relieve symptoms including itching, redness, swelling, and tearing, thereby providing comprehensive symptom coverage rather than targeting single symptoms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the complex allergic response pathway into multiple targetable components: the allergen itself, the mast cell degranulation process, the inflammatory mediator release, and the resulting symptoms. By using cyclodextrin to bind the allergen at the initial stage, the treatment prevents downstream activation of multiple pathological processes, thereby addressing all symptom segments simultaneously.
3Reliability
If antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers are used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, then some anti-allergic effects are achieved, but duration of efficacy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclodextrin inclusion complex provides continuous therapeutic action by maintaining persistent binding to the allergen. The hydrophobic cavity of cyclodextrin forms stable inclusion complexes with allergen proteins, creating a continuous sequestration effect that lasts throughout the contact lens wear period or duration of eye drop application, rather than providing transient relief that requires frequent re-dosing.
Solution Approach 2:
When formulated in contact lenses, the cyclodextrin provides preliminary and sustained release of the binding action throughout the day. The contact lens reservoir continuously releases cyclodextrin that binds to allergens as they contact the ocular surface, providing extended duration protection before the allergen can trigger the allergic response, rather than requiring intervention after symptoms have already developed.
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
Cyclodextrin effectively ameliorates symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, including ocular itching and redness, with minimal side effects, by binding or sequestering allergens and reducing inflammation, as demonstrated in clinical trials.
Implementation Method 1
cyclodextrin is used to inhibit, bind or sequester an eye allergen
Implementation Method 2
cyclodextrin or composition comprising a cyclodextrin can be used to reduce or treat inflammation in the eye
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods of treating eye allergies and allergic conjunctivitis with cyclodextrin. Ophthalmic compositions of cyclodextrin for topical administration are also provided.