This technology is a femtosecond laser-based system for modulating cytokine activity in corneal tissues to control inflammation and prevent keratocyte apoptosis.
Corneal inflammation may damage corneal tissues, leading to loss of vision. Current treatments for corneal inflammation primarily rely on antibiotics and analgesics, failing to directly address the underlying tissue damage caused by severe inflammation. These methods are limited in their ability to prevent keratocyte apoptosis and manage inflammation non-invasively. Consequently, there is a critical need for ways to effectively control inflammation and prevent tissue damage without altering the corneal structure or relying on invasive procedures.
This technology utilizes femtosecond laser treatment to modulate cytokine activity within corneal tissues, thereby controlling inflammation and preventing keratocyte apoptosis. The laser generates low-density plasma and ionizes water molecules within the corneal stroma to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS then modulate cytokine activity, reducing inflammation without altering the cornea or requiring invasive procedures. The technology could be potentially applied to wound healing.
This technology has been validated in injured ex vivo pig eyes and in vivo studies in rabbits.
Patent Pending (US20210085994)
IR CU19223, CU18315
Licensing Contact: Sara Gusik