Biotech company Okogen’s RUBY trial is seeking patients at its seven Australian clinical trial sites to test and evaluate OKG-0301, a possible treatment for adenoviral conjunctivitis.
Adenoviral conjunctivitis is said to be highly contagious and the number one cause of eye infections globally, affecting up to 25 million people a year.
Antibiotics are said to be the current treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis, but they don’t treat viral forms of the infection. Reportedly, despite the high incidence, there is no approved treatment for viral conjunctivitis.
“Viral conjunctivitis is a very common and severe form of conjunctivitis, and it typically increases in prevalence across Australia during the winter flu season,” said Mark Daniell, Head of the Cornea Unit at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH), and Principal Investigator at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA),
“Up until now, there has been no useful treatment. Viral conjunctivitis is a particularly severe infection that causes a lot of suffering and can lead to long term scarring of the eye. So, if you develop a red, painful eye with lid swelling, consult a health professional immediately,” Mr Daniell added.
Clinical trials are underway at RVEEH, in partnership with CERA, as well as Royal Adelaide Hospital, Eye Clinic Albury Wodonga, Hobart Eye Clinic, Lions Eye Institute Perth, Sydney Eye Hospital and the School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney.
For more about the RUBY Trial, visit: rubytrial.com.au
