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Thymosin β4: a potential novel dry eye therapy
Author(s) -
Sosne Gabriel,
Qiu Ping,
Ousler rd George W.,
Dunn Steven P.,
Crockford David
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06682.x
Subject(s) - medicine , thymosin , cornea , irritation , eye irritation , ophthalmology , dermatology , immunology
The purpose of this manuscript is to review the clinical entity of dry eye syndrome (DES) and to provide a scientific basis and rationale for the usage of thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) as a novel therapy for DES. DES is a common disorder affecting an estimated 25–30 million people in the United States alone and is characterized by inflammation of the ocular surface. Consequently, patients can suffer from burning, irritation, severe discomfort, foreign body sensation, and blurry and decreased vision. Recent animal studies of DES demonstrate that Tβ4 eye drops significantly reduce corneal fluorescein staining, indicating improved wound healing. Based on previous studies, there is clear support for further clinical investigation and development of Tβ4 as a novel, safe, and effective agent to treat dry eye. Herein, we discuss the scientific and clinical rationales that make Tβ4 a potential ideal candidate therapeutic for DES.