By Linda Conlin, Pro to Pro Managing Editor

For more than 40 years, eye drops have been the standard of care for open-angle glaucoma patients, but it is estimated that the compliance rate is only about 50%. Drops can be blinked out, diluted by tears, and because glaucoma patients tend to be older, they may lack the dexterity to properly administer the drugs. A new drug-eluting contact lens has the potential to become an alternative therapeutic option.

MediPrint Ophthalmics, Inc. announced it has completed the SIGHT-2 phase 2b study evaluating its LL-BMT1, a proprietary and drug-eluting contact lens for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT). LL-BMT1 is a preservative-free, weekly drug-eluting contact lens, the product of the company’s proprietary 3D printing technology. The contact lenses are imprinted with bimatoprost (Lumigan) and hyaluronic acid (a component of several moisturizing eye drops). Participants in the study achieved sustained reduction of about 30% from baseline intraocular pressure (IOP), which is comparable to that reported for Lumigan 0.01% eye drops, and the reference group of the study that used timolol drops, commonly prescribed for OAG and OHT, only. There were no serious adverse events reported and the lenses were well tolerated. An evaluation of dry eye and end of the day comfort for the contact lenses also showed significant improvements. As an added bonus, findings also included efficacy from a single dose, which was not one of the study’s planned endpoints. (Glance Editorial Team [2024, Mar 12]. MediPrint Ophthalmics completes phase 2 study on drug-eluting contact lens. Glance by Eyes On Eyecare.)

While MediPrint’s exact process is proprietary, here’s an overview of how it’s done. They select an FDA approved drug, in this case, bimatoprost, and an FDA approved contact lens, an ocufilcon D soft hydrophilic lens, such as Biomedics® 55 (the lens brand was not specified in the results of the study). A prepared ‘ink’ is imprinted on the lens using MediPrint’s proprietary inkjet printer. The lens is then hydrated, packaged, and sterilized. The lens is designed for one week extended wear, and as a result of the simultaneous release of hyaluronic acid, there were no protein deposits on lenses and comfort improved over the study duration. Because topical glaucoma treatments can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, a contact lens with a moisturizing component results in greater overall comfort. The cost of the lenses is expected to be comparable to that of prescription drops.

MediPrint is looking forward to a Phase 3 study, and FDA approval, with interim studies investigating the efficacy of a higher dose lens for higher IOP. Other products in their pipeline include contact lens eluting drugs for dry eye, allergies, and more. With this and other innovations, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that contact lenses can provide treatments that are non-invasive and comfortable, with sustained dosing and fewer side effects.