Lux Biosciences sees early promise in dry eye drug

Lux Biosciences' topical formulation of voclosporin, LX214, for the treatment of chronic inflammatory eye diseases, looks promising after it gave a significantly higher concentration in the eye than twice daily ciclosporin A (Allergan's Restasis) in animal models. In preclinical studies, concentrations of LX214 reached therapeutic levels in tear fluid and most ocular tissues, including conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids, sclera and lacrimal glands after single or multiple topical applications. Blood levels remained at or near baseline and there was minimal overflow of the candidate to the opposite, non-treated eye. There was no evidence of eye irritation and LX214 did not bind to melanin. LX214, a calcineurin inhibitor, is a clear, aqueous formulation, which the company says is unlike other topical dry eye products. Lux licensed it from Isotechnika and is investigating it as a potential treatment for conditions such as dry eye syndrome, blepharitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis. It will initially be developed for dry eye syndrome, and an IND submission and first human studies are anticipated for the second half.