Grifols and BARDA Collaborate on Testing Ocular Immunoglobulin for Sulfur Mustard Eye Injury Treatment

Grifols, a well-known global healthcare company based in Barcelona, has initiated a collaborative effort with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to investigate the efficacy of ocular surface immunoglobulin (OSIG) eye drops in treating ocular damage caused by exposure to sulfur mustard. Sulfur mustard, or mustard gas, is a chemical warfare agent known for its rapid reaction with ocular tissue leading to pain, sensitivity to light, and potentially severe corneal damage resulting in blindness. This partnership aims to harness the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of OSIG eye drops to alleviate these symptoms.

Grifols is repurposing an investigational OSIG therapeutic, originally under development for dry eye disease (DED), for this initiative. The nonclinical studies will be conducted in collaboration with BARDA, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). The goal is to demonstrate the potential of OSIG to mitigate the long-term effects of sulfur mustard exposure by neutralizing harmful immune responses triggered by the agent.

If the preclinical studies prove successful, the OSIG eye drops could become one of the first FDA-approved treatments specifically for sulfur mustard ocular injury. This would mark a significant advancement in medical treatments available for chemical warfare injuries, potentially offering much-needed relief for those affected.

The mechanism by which OSIG is expected to work involves its anti-inflammatory properties, which may prevent the immune system from attacking self-antigens altered by sulfur mustard exposure. By neutralizing this immune response, OSIG could protect ocular tissues and support recovery for individuals exposed to mustard gas.

Grifols has a history of innovation in immunoglobulin-based treatments, which are known for their unique mechanism of action. The company aims to leverage this expertise to develop effective ocular treatments that can significantly improve patients' quality of life. In addition to the sulfur mustard initiative, Grifols is also planning to launch a phase 2 clinical trial for OSIG in treating dry eye disease by the first half of 2025, expanding their pipeline of innovative therapeutic solutions.

This venture follows Grifols' recent collaboration with Selagine, a Chicago-based company focused on developing novel treatments for ocular diseases. Announced in March 2023, this partnership aims to advance immunoglobulin eye drops for dry eye disease, a condition affecting over 100 million people globally. If successful, this treatment could be the first immunoglobulin medicine indicated for DED.

Joerg Schuettrumpf, Grifols' Chief Scientific Innovation Officer, highlighted the company's commitment to developing safe, effective, and accessible immunoglobulin-based treatments to address serious ocular conditions. This focus on innovation aims to provide better therapeutic options for patients, enhancing their eyesight and overall quality of life.

In addition to their work on OSIG treatments, Grifols' subsidiary GigaGen recently secured a contract with BARDA, potentially worth up to $135 million over six years. This contract is for the development of recombinant polyclonal antibody therapies aimed at countering biothreats like botulinum neurotoxins.

Grifols, founded in 1909, remains dedicated to improving global health through its development and production of plasma-derived medicines and other biopharmaceutical solutions. The company's extensive network of plasma donation centers, comprehensive portfolio in transfusion medicine, and ongoing commitment to innovation underscore its leadership in the healthcare sector. With over 23,000 employees worldwide, Grifols continues to set benchmarks for quality, safety, and ethical leadership in its field.