Comparative Study of Thymosin Beta 4 Eye Drops vs. Vehicle in the Treatment of Severe Dry Eye
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2012-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Severe dry eye is a debilitating ocular disease resulting in loss of vision, reduced
day-to-day function and significant discomfort. Tear substitutes are an important part of the
treatment of all patients, however, even with aggressive us, the corneal(ocular)surface often
remains very irregular due to poor surface healing.
The agent being evaluated in this study, Thymosin Beta 4, promotes healing of the corneal
surface and has been studied in patients with recalcitrant corneal ulcers and erosions with
significant success (Arch Ophthalmol. 2010;128(5):636-638., Ann of the NY Acad of Sci, May,
2010).
The study hypothesis is that Thymosin Beta 4, in its role as a modulator of corneal surface
healing, may be able to promote healing of the corneal surface allowing for more conventional
modalities to take over and maintain a smooth and regular ocular surface. The investigators
hope to be able to demonstrate an improvement in visual acuity, surface healing and a
reduction in dry-eye related symptoms.