Eye drops that help antibiotics reach inside the eye better
Eye drop formulations for enhanced penetration of water soluble antibiotics to treat infections
New antibiotic eye-drop formulations aim to deliver medicine deeper into the eye so people with bacterial eye infections can clear infections with fewer doses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142574 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing new eye-drop formulas designed to stay on the eye longer and carry water-soluble antibiotics into eye tissues more effectively. Researchers will measure how well these formulations move drugs like moxifloxacin and besifloxacin into the eye and how they work against bacteria that cause conjunctivitis and keratitis. Laboratory tests will check drug levels, antibacterial activity, and how formulation changes might allow less frequent dosing while limiting resistance. The team will also monitor safety and tolerability to identify options suitable for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with bacterial conjunctivitis or keratitis — including contact lens–related infections and infections from resistant bacteria — would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with viral or allergic eye inflammation or those without an active bacterial infection would not be helped by these antibiotic formulations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these drops could allow fewer daily doses, improve cure rates, reduce sight-threatening complications, and slow the development of antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Antibiotic drops like moxifloxacin and besifloxacin are already effective but usually need frequent dosing, and while sustained-release strategies exist, improving penetration of water-soluble antibiotics is a relatively new and actively researched approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ensign, Laura — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Ensign, Laura
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.