Global healthcare leader Grifols has announced a partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to develop immune therapy eye drops aimed at mitigating long-term eye damage caused by exposure to sulfur mustard, commonly known as mustard gas.
Sulfur mustard, first deployed widely during World War I, is a potent chemical warfare agent known for causing severe skin burns, cellular toxicity, and painful blistering. The eyes are especially vulnerable to its effects due to their constant exposure to moisture, which reacts with the toxic agent. Short-term consequences of exposure range from mild conjunctivitis, lasting up to two weeks, to significant corneal damage with notable vision loss. Long-term exposure can lead to recurring inflammation and erosion of the cornea, the transparent layer that protects the eye.
Currently, there is no effective treatment for eye injuries caused by sulfur mustard. However, Grifols, a leader in plasma-derived medicines, has teamed up with BARDA to advance its immune-based eye drop therapy, aiming to fill this critical gap in medical treatment. Grifols’ innovative approach draws on its expertise in immunoglobulins, antibodies derived from pooled plasma donations, typically used to treat autoimmune disorders and manage inflammation.
BARDA, a federal agency focused on developing medical countermeasures for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, will support Grifols in conducting preclinical studies on the potential of these eye drops to protect the eyes from immune overreaction following mustard gas exposure. Grifols’ ocular surface immunoglobulin (OSIG) eye drop, initially developed in collaboration with Selagine—a University of Illinois at Chicago spin-out focused on eye disease therapeutics—aims to reduce dry eye disease and prevent long-term eye damage by inhibiting harmful immune responses.
These eye drops, currently in Phase 2 clinical trials, leverage immunoglobulins to prevent the immune system from attacking the body’s own cells, a process known as autoimmunity. If successful, Grifols’ immunotherapy could halt the progression of mustard-induced eye damage by blocking inflammatory responses that damage the eye’s corneal tissue.
“Grifols is applying its expertise in immunoglobulin treatments to develop effective and accessible IG-based ocular solutions, aiming to improve eyesight and quality of life for affected individuals,” said Joerg Schuettrumpf, Grifols’ Chief Scientific Innovation Officer. “Our innovation pipeline is dedicated to creating more effective treatments for patients in need.”
Despite many countries, including the United States, having eliminated their mustard agent stockpiles, the risk of accidental exposure remains. Some disposed stockpiles have even been discovered in the ocean, posing a latent hazard. Grifols’ pioneering eye drop therapy, if proven successful, could provide a critical tool for safeguarding eye health in the event of accidental exposure to sulfur mustard.
Related topic:
What Is the Best Homeopathic Remedy for Puffy Eyes?
Does a Tea Bag Help with Pink Eye?
5 Best Home Remedies for White Bumps Under Eyes
