An in vitro model for screening penetration of ocular drug products

Project Summary/Abstract: The overall objective of this study is to develop a novel, predictive in vitro platform for studying physiological responses of the cellular layers of the anterior eye for therapeutics. Current in vitro models mostly rely on a single cellular architecture of the corneal epithelium and do not mimic the in vivo physiological relevance of cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions. In addition, they lack the capability for real-time visualization and quantitation of cellular interactions. Animal models do not accurately represent the anatomy and physiology of the human eye. We propose to develop and demonstrate a microfluidic-based multicellular architecture of the human cornea based on in vivo morphological and structural parameters. Phase I will culminate with a clear demonstration on the ability of the model to match drug penetration profiles with detailed functional characterization of the cellular interactions and matrix development. During Phase II, we will expand the platform to incorporate additional tissue layers such as the conjunctiva and integration with well plates for a multiplexed assay followed by further validation against in vivo studies. A multi-disciplinary, partnership with expertise in microfluidic cell-based assays, eye physiology and therapeutic screening with clinical relevance has been assembled to successfully meet the research objectives. The end-product will be commercialized to pharmaceutical firms, drug research labs and universities/non-profit centers engaged in precision therapeutics, drug discovery, and drug delivery in the ophthalmic space.