Nice, France - February 17, 2011 - Iris Pharma, a world leader CRO specialized in ophthalmology, today announced the validation of the Endotoxin-Induced Uveitis (EIU) model, a new model of ocular inflammation. This model has been developed by Iris Pharma in albino rats to evaluate the efficacy of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of anterior uveitis and other inflammatory diseases in the eye.
Anterior uveitis is the inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, which includes the iris and the adjacent ciliary body. Of uncertain aetiology, it is associated with a wide variety of systemic disorders in human. It is the most common form of uveitis, accounting for 75% of all cases.
In the EIU model, uveitis is induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are endotoxins found in the bacterial cell outer wall. Cell number and protein concentration in the aqueous humor begin to increase 6 hours after the endotoxin injection and reach a peak at 24 hours before gradually decreasing. Product efficacy is evaluated clinically with a slit lamp and by measuring cellular infiltration and protein concentration in the aqueous humor, and gauged against clinically proven references such as dexamethasone, methyl-prednisolone or ketorolac.
“This model further strengthens the broad collection of ocular inflammation models we already offer and have recently enriched with the Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis (EAU) model, a model of T-cell-driven panuveitis”, said Dr Pierre-Paul Elena, CEO and Founder of Iris Pharma. “The new EIU model provides the possibility to investigate anti-inflammatory drugs that mainly act on the recruitment of inflammatory cells such as polymorphonuclear cells or macrophages. This model can also serve to generate proof-of-concept for other inflammatory diseases.”
EIU has proven to be a useful model for the study of acute and subacute anterior ocular inflammation in humans.
About Iris Pharma:
Iris Pharma is an independent CRO that specializes in preclinical and clinical research in the field of ophthalmology. Founded in 1989 by Dr Pierre-Paul Elena, Iris Pharma offers its services and expertise in the development of ophthalmic drugs and ocular medical devices to the pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology companies around the world. Among its clients, 8 out of the top 10 worlds largest pharmaceuticals have chosen Iris Pharma. The company has five main areas of activity: preclinical studies and services, clinical trials (Phase I and IV and medico-marketing surveys), bioanalysis, preclinical formulation, and consulting services. Iris Pharma was recently awarded the “High Performance Prize” from the Newspaper Les Echos in recognition of its growth performance.
