SDP-4 offers a unique therapeutic approach that uses a naturally derived silk protein to treat Dry Eye Disease (DED). The SDP-4 drug candidate has been designed to inhibit inflammation that creates DED symptoms while simultaneously improving the spreading and wetting properties of the eye drop on the ocular surface to improve patient comfort.

It is estimated that up to 340 million people suffer from Dry Eye Disease (DED) worldwide, with 45 - 60 million people in the US alone. Estimates show that nearly 16 million patients are diagnosed with DED in the US [1], and further studies suggest up to an additional 30 – 40 million individuals may remain undiagnosed and could benefit from therapeutic treatment [2]. Recent evidence suggests the magnitude of the problem is increasing over time [3].

Dry Eye Disease (DED) is caused by several factors and affects the various tissues composing the ocular surface. Irritation creates inflammation that over time destabilizes the tear film and worsens patient symptoms. When compromised, the tear film may leave portions of the ocular surface uncovered, or cause tears to become unhealthy in composition. In both cases the corneal surface becomes further exposed to irritating effects that exacerbate the inflammatory cycle and worsen patient symptoms.

The tear-film enhancing protein nature of SDP-4 is demonstrated by comparing the spreading properties of saline vs. saline plus SDP-4 on a surface that models a Dry Eye Disease (DED) surface. SDP-4 (1%) acts to enhance the wetting and spreading properties upon application without increasing viscosity. This design aims to improve overall tear film stability in DED patients to enhance their comfort without compromising their vision quality.