EpiKine™ is a topical eye drop that delivers a biologic to the surface of the eye. EpiKine™ is designed to facilitate quicker, more predictable healing after corneal injuries, including Laser Vision Correction (LVC—surgeries such as PRK and LASIK) and non-infectious corneal ulcers.
EpiKine™ was developed in 2006 based on research which demonstrated that the inhibition of Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a pro-inflammatory cytokine (a protein used in cell communication), reduces the risk of corneal transplant rejections and increases corneal clarity after corneal transplantations. The team at TheraKine used this model to develop a product that facilitates quicker, more predictable healing after corneal injury has occurred.
EpiKine™ is TheraKine’s only topical product and is designed to:
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Treat diseases of the eye surface, ulcers, injury
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Prevent rejection of corneal transplant
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Directly inhibit the pro-inflammatory proteins (cytokines) that interfere with corneal wound healing
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Improve outcomes & predictability of Laser Vision Correction (LVC): LASIK, PRK and epi-LASIK surface and wavefront LVC results
TheraKine’s initial tests and preclinical studies have been conducted by the Vardinoyiannion Eye Institute of Crete (VEIC) founded and directed by Professor of Ophthalmology, Ioannis G. Pallikaris, the “Father of LASIK” and by the Wilford Hall Medical Center Lackland Air Force Base, Joint Warfighter Refractive Surgery Center (JWRSC) in Texas. JWRSC is a high volume refractive laser surgery center under the direction of Dr. Charles Reilly, Lt Col, MC, FS. Wilford Hall is one of the US Military’s largest and most respected teaching/research centers. Patients include Army, Navy and Air Force Pilots as well as Special Forces and other key “forward fighting" combat personnel.
These studies demonstrated that EpiKine™ significantly reduced the inflammatory response of the cornea without any side effects or delayed wound healing after PRK surgery. Corneal healing was comparable to treatment with topical steroids. Furthermore, these tests showed that, EpiKine™ reduced “haze formation” and increased corneal clarity when compared to eyes not treated with EpiKine™.
Results:
Light Microscopy: Histological sections of the eye demonstrate the difference in the healing process after LVC: between treated and untreated eyes. Corneal clarity and haze formation were much better in eyes treated with EpiKine™ than in untreated eyes. The slides below demonstrate the irregular healing (“foam layer”) in untreated eyes:
The second, more extensive round of testing conducted by the United States Air Force (USAF) will be completed in early 2010.
Currently, patients are usually treated with either topical or systemic steroids and anti-inflammatories after surgery. Both posses the risk of unpredictable and delayed wound healing. While steroids carry the increased risk of heightened intraocular pressure (glaucoma) and cataracts, anti-inflammatories carry the risk of infection due to their immunosuppressive effect. TheraKine believes that EpiKine™ will posses equal if not greater efficacy in improving corneal wound healing than current treatments. TheraKine’s pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that EpiKine™ will not have any of the severe side effects of steroids or anti-inflammatories.
EpiKine™ is designed to help the over 2.5 million people who suffer from corneal injuries worldwide. A large USAF trial with EpiKine™ has been completed and demonstrated non-inferiority to topical steroids. EpiKine™ is awaiting approval for human clinical trials.