L-carnitine Eye Drops for Corneal Epithelial Repair

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for corneal diseases such as dry eye syndrome, keratoconus, and corneal injuries following refractive laser surgery are inadequate, as they either provide short-lasting relief or do not address the underlying causes of the diseases, leading to persistent issues like haze and corneal opacity.

Innovation Solution

The use of L-carnitine and/or alkanoyl L-carnitine in the form of eye-drops, combined with sodium hyaluronate, antioxidants like vitamin E, and inorganic elements, serves as a physiological supplement to treat corneal diseases by promoting cellular health and osmolarity regulation, thereby addressing the root causes of these conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If conventional treatments for corneal diseases are used, then short-lasting relief is provided, but the underlying causes are not addressed leading to persistent issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of therapeutic effectVSAvoideffectiveness in addressing root causes
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the tear film by introducing L-carnitine and its alkanoyl derivatives at specific concentrations (0.1-10% w/v). These parameter changes address the underlying metabolic deficiencies in corneal epithelial cells, providing both sustained duration and reliable effectiveness by targeting root causes rather than just symptoms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

L-carnitine acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria for energy production. This intermediary function addresses the metabolic dysfunction in corneal cells, providing long-lasting therapeutic effects by restoring fundamental cellular processes rather than offering temporary symptomatic relief

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If tear film substitutes are used for dry eye syndrome, then lubrication is provided, but metabolic support for corneal epithelial cells is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication and comfortVSAvoidmetabolic support for corneal cells
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The eye drop formulation achieves multi-functionality by combining L-carnitine (metabolic support via fatty acid transport), sodium hyaluronate (lubrication and moisture retention), and antioxidants (cell protection). This universal composition simultaneously addresses both lubrication needs and metabolic support requirements, improving both ease of operation and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite formulation combining multiple active ingredients with complementary functions. L-carnitine provides metabolic support, hyaluronate provides lubrication, and antioxidants provide protection. This composite approach ensures both comfortable lubrication and reliable metabolic support for corneal epithelial cells

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP1906949B1Use of l-carnitine or of alkanoyl l-carnitines for the preparation of a physiological supplement or medicament for ophthalmic use in the form of eye-drops
Publication Date: 2015.02.11 SIGMA TAU IND FARMACEUTICHE RIUNITE SPA

AI summary

Use of L-carnitine and/or of one or more alkanoyl L-carnitines or one of their pharmaceutically acceptable salts for the preparation of an opthalmic physiological supplement or medicament in the form of eye-drops, for the treatment of corneal diseases.