A research team at Adelaide's Flinders University has developed a technique to squeeze antibodies through the cornea to allow more effective treatment of eye infections or diseases. The university team has made antibody fragments soluble so they can be administered as drops. Clinical trials have shown they penetrate the cornea even though they were still thought to be too big to be absorbed through the clear tissue covering the front of the eye.
Antibodies are natural proteins found in blood and body secretions which protect against infection.
They can also be made in the laboratory. However, the size of the molecules meant their use to treat eye conditions was previously limited to tablets or injections. A research team member, Dr Michael Thiel, said the new technique would bring numerous benefits. The potential of the research has been recognised by a licensing agreement with the Australian pharmaceutical company CSL, which will secure international patents and provide funding for research. The Age Company Ltd 2000.