Neutrolis Licenses UIC Patent to Develop Dry Eye Therapy Targeting NETs

Neutrolis Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, has recently secured an exclusive licensing agreement with the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) to advance its research into innovative treatments for dry eye disease (DED). The agreement grants Neutrolis the rights to intellectual property involving the use of topical DNase enzymes in ophthalmic applications. This intellectual property is critical to the development of Neutrolis' L304 therapy, a topical solution designed to treat moderate to severe dry eye disease.

The patent and research efforts are based on the pioneering work of Dr. Sandeep Jain, a renowned expert in ophthalmology at UIC. Dr. Jain’s research, some of which was supported by the National Eye Institute/NIH and Research to Prevent Blindness, has highlighted the effectiveness of DNase therapies in treating DED and ocular graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). The promising results from these early-phase clinical trials have established the feasibility of DNase as a therapeutic option for these ocular conditions. Neutrolis aims to harness these findings to further its L304 program for treating moderate to severe DED.

DED is a widespread condition that occurs when the eyes fail to produce enough tears or when the tears lack the correct composition to adequately moisten the eyes. This can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and potential vision problems. Various autoimmune conditions, such as Sjögren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis, can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. The disorder affects millions globally, especially older adults and women, and represents a significant segment of the ophthalmology market, with the dry eye treatment market expected to surpass USD 6.5 billion by 2027.

Toby Fox, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of Neutrolis, emphasizes the significance of this licensing agreement as a crucial step toward providing new treatment options to those affected by DED. The research indicates that Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) play a key role in the pathology of DED. By targeting these NETs, L304 could potentially change the standard of care for patients with this condition.

Dr. Abdul Hakkim, co-founder and COO of Neutrolis, acknowledges the foundational research conducted by Dr. Jain and his team. Their work has paved the way for employing topical DNase as a promising treatment for inflammation-induced DED. Dr. Jain’s continued advisory role with Neutrolis ensures that the company benefits from his expertise and research insights, further propelling the development of L304.

Neutrolis Inc. is dedicated to revolutionizing the treatment landscape of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases by targeting NETs through their proprietary exDNASE™ platform. NETs, which comprise DNA, histones, and antimicrobial proteins, are released by neutrophils and can lead to tissue damage and chronic inflammation. They play an integral part in immune-mediated inflammatory disorders. Neutrolis' approach involves creating analogs of naturally occurring enzymes to dismantle these NETs, aiming to address the root causes of diseases like lupus and dry eye disease.

Overall, Neutrolis' innovative strategy to combat DED through the L304 therapy holds promise for transforming the treatment of this and other NET-related conditions, potentially offering relief to countless individuals suffering from these debilitating diseases.