Dry eye is a common eye conditions, primarily affecting adults 45 years and older. What causes dry eye ranges from: environmental exposure, medications, eye surgery (such as laser correction surgery), and immune system disorders such as Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. Also, by staring at computer or video screens for long periods without blinking will also cause dry eye. It is estimated that more than 12 million Americans are suffering with dry eye symptoms on a daily basis. Tears, which are the major suppressing factor of dry eye, are composed of a complex mixture of water, lipids, proteins, and minerals such as sodium and potassium. Specific proteins located in the epithelium called sodium channels play a key role in the regulation of tear fluid level on the surface of the epithelium. Dr. Jerome Wujek, a program director at the National Eye Institute who manages the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants reports that “Dry eye is a major unmet medical need" and “Restasis® drops work for some, but they don’t work for everyone,  it can take two months or more to become effective.” Supporting research into a better treatment for dry eye has been one of Dr. Wujek’s tasks for the past eight years.  The efforts of the NEI reached fruition with the launch of an FDA-approved Phase I clinical trial that will test the safety and efficacy of a novel Sodium channel blocking drug called P-321 Ophthalmic Solution. The drug is applied as an eye drop and targets sodium channels which are involved in maintaining moisture in the eye.

Reference: National Eye Institute NEI 09/29/14