VisiRose introduces investigational non-invasive therapy for infectious keratitis

(Image credit: Adobe Stock/LomaPari2021)

VisiRose, a newly launched company formed in collaboration with Provectus Biopharmaceuticals and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (BPEI), is advancing the development of Rose Bengal Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (RB PDAT). This investigational, non-invasive treatment targets infectious keratitis and other serious ocular infections.

RB PDAT combines Provectus’s pharmaceutical-grade bioactive synthetic small molecule, Rose Bengal Sodium (RBS), with a light-based medical device developed by BPEI. The therapy is designed to treat a broad range of eye infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and parasites, offering a potential solution to the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).¹

Potential impact on antimicrobial resistance

RB PDAT provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with the potential for safe, effective, and cost-efficient outcomes. Clinical trials conducted in the United States, India, Brazil, and Mexico have demonstrated rapid infection resolution and improved patient outcomes.

“RB PDAT is a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment showing remarkable promise for patients with severe infectious keratitis. This innovative therapy harnesses the power of light to combat infection and offers new hope for preserving vision,” said Jean-Marie Parel, PhD, FAIMBE, FARVO, director and co-founder of the Ophthalmic Biophysics Center at BPEI.

Translating innovation to patient care

VisiRose aims to bring this therapy from the laboratory to clinical practice.

“VisiRose is crucial for translating the innovation of RB PDAT from the laboratory to a widely accessible treatment, ultimately benefiting countless patients worldwide,” said Guillermo Amescua, MD, professor of clinical ophthalmology, medical director of the Ocular Microbiology Laboratory, and board-certified ophthalmologist at BPEI.

Dominic Rodrigues, acting CEO of VisiRose, highlighted the therapy’s importance for individuals facing vision loss due to infectious keratitis.

“This innovative therapy, with its targeted action and dual benefits, represents a significant advancement in eye care, paving the way for a brighter future for those struggling with this challenging condition,” he said.

Promising clinical results

RB PDAT has been evaluated in more than 500 patients, demonstrating efficacy in severe cases of eye infections that did not respond to conventional treatments. VisiRose is positioned to address a critical need in the $60 billion global ophthalmic market, particularly in regions facing rising AMR and limited access to effective therapies.¹

As VisiRose progresses toward commercializing RB PDAT, this approach may soon provide a new tool for managing severe infectious keratitis and safeguarding vision for patients worldwide.

Reference

1. VisiRose. VisiRose Introduces Revolutionary Therapy for Severe Eye Infections. ACCESSWIRE Newsroom. Published December 10, 2024. Accessed December 10, 2024. https://www.accesswire.com/952319/visirose-introduces-revolutionary-therapy-for-severe-eye-infections