Nice (France), August 2013 – The Iris Pharma Research Team has developed and validated two experimental rodent models to mimic dry eye syndrome (DES) in the human eye to add to its catalog of animal models designed for preclinical testing in the field of ophthalmology.
In a rat model, Iris Pharma researchers induced dry eye using 21-day systemic and continuous delivery of scopolamine through an osmotic pump implanted subcutaneously. In a mouse model, researchers caused the condition by placing mice in a controlled environmental chamber with a relative humidity of less than 25%, air flow of 15 liters per minute, and they then applied a transdermal scopolamine patch.
Both rodent models using scopolamine effectively induced dry eye by causing a rapid decrease in tear production and an increase in corneal defects. These preclinical animal models can be satisfactorily used to run a dry eye proof of concept study and to test and select therapeutic candidates.
Today dry eye syndrome (DES), also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), affects tens of millions of people worldwide, representing one of the most common ocular diseases.
About Iris Pharma:
Iris Pharma, which is headquartered in La Gaude (near Nice, in south-eastern France), is an independent development service provider, dedicated to preclinical and clinical research in ophthalmology. Since 1989, it has been offering ophthalmologic drug and device development services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide. The company works in five complementary areas: bioanalysis; preclinical formulation; preclinical studies and services; clinical trials (Phase I to IV); and strategic consulting. For more information, see: https://www.iris-pharma.com
