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RegeneRx: TB4 prevents cell death caused by common eye drop preservative
By Lisa Kerner
Erie, Pa., April 25 - RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals said researchers at the Wayne State University School of Medicine and the Kresge Eye Institute in Detroit found that thymosin beta 4 (TB4) could significantly reduce the death of human ophthalmic cells (apoptosis) treated with benzalkonium chloride (BAK), in vitro.
BAK, a known eye irritant, is a common preservative contained in many ocular solutions, such as eye drops, to prevent bacterial growth, according to a news release.
TB4, a synthetic version of a naturally occurring peptide present in most human cells, regulates the cell-building protein, actin, a vital component of cell structure and movement.
In one study group, human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells were treated with escalating doses of BAK, which inhibited DNA synthesis and increased apoptosis throughout the duration of the five-day test.
RegeneRx said in another group where similar cells were treated with BAK and TB4, apoptosis caused by BAK was significantly reduced when measured at various times during the five-day test.
An abstract of the study was published in the April 19 edition of Experimental Eye Research, the company said.
"This study suggests that TB4 may be able to overcome the apoptotic side effect of BAK, and may be a useful additive to solutions containing this preservative," said Gabriel Sosne, head of the research team, in the release.
"In particular, glaucoma patients who are on chronic medications to lower intraocular pressure commonly use eye drops containing BAK, which can cause a high degree of discomfort."
RegeneRx plans to file an Investigational New Drug application with the Food and Drug Administration for a proposed ophthalmic clinical trial.
Located in Bethesda, Md., RegeneRx discovers and develops novel molecules to accelerate tissue and organ repair.
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