What Is the Connection Between Cannabis, Chronic Inflammation of the Eyelids, and Dry Eye?
Innovative and groundbreaking study research by an Israeli start-up, 3R Pharma, has discovered the ability of a cannabidiol molecule from the cannabis plant to effectively treat ocular and eyelid inflammation in the eye area. "The ointment we have developed can improve the quality of life of millions of people around the world who suffer from dry eye symptoms," says CEO and founder Michael Rubinov
Blepharitis, A chronic inflammation of the eyelids, is one of the most common diseases in the population and among those who turn to ophthalmologists in particular. About 10%-15% of the population suffers from it. The most common symptoms are red and swollen eyelids and a feeling of dry eye, itching, and ocular pain.
To date, the most effective treatments for blepharitis are corticosteroid-based drops and ointments combined with antibiotics. Although effective, these treatments have dangerous side effects such as increased intraocular pressure and cataract formation; therefore, steroidal treatment is given only for short periods, and it is not a practical solution to a chronic problem. In 2019, The European Vision Institute published a road map forward and determined that there is a need for novel anti-inflammatory drugs for treating ocular surface diseases that will be better tolerated and without dangerous side effects.
3R Pharma is an Israeli pre-clinical stage company developing a novel anti-inflammatory treatment for Blepharitis/MGD based on a CBD molecule from the cannabis plant. CEO and founder Michael Rubinov explains: "Despite the multitude of studies on molecules of the cannabis plant, we are the first in the world to find a biological link between the cannabidiol molecule and its effect on inflammation in the eye area. This innovative and groundbreaking research can improve the quality of life for millions worldwide who suffer from blepharitis and dry eye symptoms. Based on this research, we have developed an ophthalmic ointment and demonstrated its safety and, even more importantly, its efficacy in reducing inflammation in Blepharitis-MGD (also known as meibomitis) in a series of pre-clinical studies. Success in pre-clinical studies is a crucial milestone for advancing to the next phase, and we are currently working on preparations for the First in Human clinical trial."
3R Pharma was founded in 2021 and operates from the "CanNegev" start-ups incubator in Yeruham. Investors in the "CanNegev" incubator includes Padagis (A global pharmaceutical company), BOL Pharma (Medical cannabis products manufacturer) and OurCrowd (The largest Israeli VC company). 3R Pharma received pre-seed funding from "CanNegev" and the Israeli Innovation Authority.
The company's scientific advisory team includes renowned physicians, scientists, and industry figures: Prof. Michael Belkin (Founder of the "Goldschleger "Eye Research Institute at Sheba Hospital), Prof. Boris Knyazer (Managing Director of the Cornea and Cornea Transplant Unit at Soroka Medical Center), Prof. Avi Solomon( Managing Director of the Cornea Service at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital), Prof. David Stefansky( Head of the School of Pharmacy at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev), Dr. Liat Lomnitski (Regulation & Toxicology at Padagis) and Dr. Sari Prutchi Sagiv (Expert in cannabis clinical trials, at Mor Research, Clalit HMO).
According to Rubinov, the company has a granted patent in the USA and operates in a $6 billion market, expected to grow at 7% per year. Recently, 3R Pharma has initiated a seed round to raise funds that will enable the company to proceed to a First in Human clinical trial, which is expected to be a significant milestone for the company before an initial submission to the FDA.
Details: michael@3Rpharma.com
In collaboration with 3R Pharma
