Technology
Foresight has successfully developed a proprietary platform based on its Povidone-Iodine (PVP-I) technology. This enables application of PVP-I in ocular and otic therapeutic applications that require not only microbial eradication but also mediation of an inflammatory response in order to achieve a clinical resolution.
Povidone-Iodine
Povidone-Iodine is a well-known broad spectrum antiseptic with no known microbial resistance. It kills infectious organisms by iodination of lipids and oxidation of cytoplasmic and membrane compounds and provides significant antimicrobial activity. Povidone Iodine (Betadine) has been approved for many years at 5% and 10% concentrations. The Foresight PVP-I platform has been targeted for ocular and otic application, comprising a potent, stable and non-irritating formulation that retains activity when combined with anti-inflammatory agents.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Steroids and other anti-inflammatory agents such as NSAIDs have well characterized effects on both innate and adaptive immunity. In ocular and otic infections, these agents alleviate the inflammatory signs and symptoms that occur as the host mounts an immune response to an infection, which may persist long after microbial eradication. Dexamethasone is approved as a monotherapy, Maxidex® and in combination with antimicrobials such as Tobradex® and Ciprodex®.
The first application of the Foresight platform combines PVP-I with dexamethasone (FST-100) for ocular surface infections.
The dual-mechanism of FST-100 is illustrated here.