The phase 2b clinical trial of a contact lens (CL) containing bimatoprost and hyaluronic acid demonstrated it reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) in cases of mild to moderate glaucoma while improving patient comfort through the reduction of dry eye (DED) symptoms. 

Mediprint Ophthalmics’ LL-BMT1 is a novel 3D-printed, preservative-free, drug-eluting CL. Presenting the study’s findings at the American Academy of Optometry’s annual meeting, optometrist Dr Ian Gaddie said a 32µg dose of LL-BMT1 achieved equivalence to the efficacy of bimatoprost 0.01% in reduction of IOP. Patients with LL-BMT1 only required six lens insertions over three weeks, representing an 86% reduction in treatment frequency compared to traditional daily eye drops, he said. 

For subjects within the chosen dose range, LL-BMT1’s hyaluronic acid improved comfort and DED symptoms by approximately 38% and 40%, respectively. “LL-BMT1 represents a potential major step forward in glaucoma care, offering an effective, less burdensome alternative to daily eye drops and a less invasive option to laser or surgical modalities,” said Dr Gaddie. 

MediPrint plans to initiate a 2025 programme focusing on comfort improvement, with hyaluronic acid in the daily disposable lens market, and will also initiate the phase 3 clinical study of LL-BMT1 for glaucoma, said the company.