Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Advances in Therapy 1/2016

Open Access 01-01-2016 | Original Research

SkQ1 Ophthalmic Solution for Dry Eye Treatment: Results of a Phase 2 Safety and Efficacy Clinical Study in the Environment and During Challenge in the Controlled Adverse Environment Model

Authors: Anton Petrov, Natalia Perekhvatova, Maxim Skulachev, Linda Stein, George Ousler

Published in: Advances in Therapy | Issue 1/2016

Login to get access

Abstract

Introduction

This Phase 2 clinical trial assessed the efficacy and safety of the novel antioxidative, renewable compound SkQ1 for topical treatment of dry eye signs and symptoms.

Methods

In a single-center, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, 29-day study, 91 subjects with mild to moderate dry eye instilled the study drug twice daily and recorded dry eye symptoms daily. Subjects were randomized 1:1:1 into one of three ophthalmic solution treatment groups: SkQ1 1.55 µg/mL, SkQ1 0.155 µg/mL, or 0.0 µg/mL (placebo). Subjects were exposed to a controlled adverse environment chamber at 3 of the 4 study visits (Day −7, Day 1, and Day 29). Investigator assessments occurred at all study visits.

Results

SkQ1 was safe and efficacious in treating dry eye signs and symptoms. Statistically significant improvements with SkQ1 compared to placebo occurred for the dry eye signs of corneal fluorescein staining and lissamine green staining in the central region and lid margin redness, and for the dry eye symptoms of ocular discomfort, dryness, and grittiness. In addition, SkQ1 demonstrated greater efficacy compared to placebo, although the differences were not statistically significant, for corneal fluorescein staining in other regions and/or time points (total staining score, central region, corneal sum score, and temporal region), lissamine green staining for the central and nasal regions, and blink rate scores.

Conclusions

This Phase 2 study indicated that SkQ1 is safe and efficacious for the treatment of dry eye signs and symptoms and supported previous study results.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02121301.

Funding

Miotech S.A.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
1.
go back to reference Augustin AJ, Spitznas M, Kaviani N, Meller D, Koch FH, Grus F, et al. Oxidative reactions in the tear fluid of patients suffering from dry eyes. Graefes Atch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 1995;233(11):694–8.CrossRef Augustin AJ, Spitznas M, Kaviani N, Meller D, Koch FH, Grus F, et al. Oxidative reactions in the tear fluid of patients suffering from dry eyes. Graefes Atch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 1995;233(11):694–8.CrossRef
2.
go back to reference Bakeeva LE, Barskov IV, Egorov MV, et al. Mitochondria-targeted plastoquinone derivatives as tools to interrupt execution of the aging program. 2. Treatment of some ROS- and age-related diseases (heart arrhythmia, heart infarctions, kidney ischemia, and stroke). Biochem Biokhimiia. 2008;73(12):1288–99.CrossRef Bakeeva LE, Barskov IV, Egorov MV, et al. Mitochondria-targeted plastoquinone derivatives as tools to interrupt execution of the aging program. 2. Treatment of some ROS- and age-related diseases (heart arrhythmia, heart infarctions, kidney ischemia, and stroke). Biochem Biokhimiia. 2008;73(12):1288–99.CrossRef
4.
go back to reference Behndig A, Svensson B, Marklund SL, Karlsson K. Superoxide dismutase isoenzymes in the human eye. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1998;39(3):471–5.PubMed Behndig A, Svensson B, Marklund SL, Karlsson K. Superoxide dismutase isoenzymes in the human eye. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1998;39(3):471–5.PubMed
5.
7.
go back to reference Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS) Committee. 2007 report of the international dry eye workshop (DEWS. Ocular Surf. 2007;5(2):65–204.CrossRef Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS) Committee. 2007 report of the international dry eye workshop (DEWS. Ocular Surf. 2007;5(2):65–204.CrossRef
9.
go back to reference Imamura Y, Noda S, Hashizume K, Shinoda K, Yamaguchi M, Uchiyama S, et al. Drusen, choroidal neovascularization, and retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction in SOD1-deficient mice: a model of age-related macular degeneration. Proc Natl Acad Sci. 2006;103(30):11282–7.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Imamura Y, Noda S, Hashizume K, Shinoda K, Yamaguchi M, Uchiyama S, et al. Drusen, choroidal neovascularization, and retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction in SOD1-deficient mice: a model of age-related macular degeneration. Proc Natl Acad Sci. 2006;103(30):11282–7.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
10.
go back to reference Kelso G, Porteous C, Coulter C, Hughes G, Porteous W, Ledgerwood E, Smith R, Murphy M. Selective targeting of a redox-active ubiquinone to mitochondria within cells: antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties. J Biol Chem. 2001;276:4588–96.CrossRefPubMed Kelso G, Porteous C, Coulter C, Hughes G, Porteous W, Ledgerwood E, Smith R, Murphy M. Selective targeting of a redox-active ubiquinone to mitochondria within cells: antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties. J Biol Chem. 2001;276:4588–96.CrossRefPubMed
11.
go back to reference Kolosova NG, Stefanova NA, Muraleva NA, Skulachev VP. The mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 but not N-acetylcysteine reverses aging-related biomarkers in rats. Aging. 2012;4(10):686–94.PubMedCentralPubMed Kolosova NG, Stefanova NA, Muraleva NA, Skulachev VP. The mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 but not N-acetylcysteine reverses aging-related biomarkers in rats. Aging. 2012;4(10):686–94.PubMedCentralPubMed
12.
go back to reference Korshunov SS, Skulachev VP, Starkov AA. High protonic potential actuates a mechanism of production of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria. FEBS Lett. 1997;416:15–8.CrossRefPubMed Korshunov SS, Skulachev VP, Starkov AA. High protonic potential actuates a mechanism of production of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria. FEBS Lett. 1997;416:15–8.CrossRefPubMed
13.
go back to reference Lemp MA. Report of the National Eye Institute/industry workshop on Clinical Trials in Dry Eye. CLAO J. 1995;21:221–32.PubMed Lemp MA. Report of the National Eye Institute/industry workshop on Clinical Trials in Dry Eye. CLAO J. 1995;21:221–32.PubMed
14.
go back to reference Markovets AM, Fursova AZ, Kolosova NG. Therapeutic action of the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 on retinopathy in OXYS rats linked with improvement of VEGF and PEDF gene expression. PLoS One. 2011;6(7):e21682.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Markovets AM, Fursova AZ, Kolosova NG. Therapeutic action of the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 on retinopathy in OXYS rats linked with improvement of VEGF and PEDF gene expression. PLoS One. 2011;6(7):e21682.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
15.
16.
go back to reference Muraleva NA, Kozhevnikova OS, Zhdankina AA, Stefanova NA, Karamysheva TV, Fursova AZ, et al. The mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 restores alphaB-crystallin expression and protects against AMD-like retinopathy in OXYS rats. Cell cycle (Georgetown, Tex). 2014;13(22):3499–505.CrossRef Muraleva NA, Kozhevnikova OS, Zhdankina AA, Stefanova NA, Karamysheva TV, Fursova AZ, et al. The mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 restores alphaB-crystallin expression and protects against AMD-like retinopathy in OXYS rats. Cell cycle (Georgetown, Tex). 2014;13(22):3499–505.CrossRef
17.
go back to reference Nakamura S, Shibuya M, Nakashima H, Hisamura R, Masuda N, Imagawa T, et al. Involvement of oxidative stress on corneal epithelial alterations in a blink-suppressed dry eye. IOVS. 2007;48(4):1552–8. Nakamura S, Shibuya M, Nakashima H, Hisamura R, Masuda N, Imagawa T, et al. Involvement of oxidative stress on corneal epithelial alterations in a blink-suppressed dry eye. IOVS. 2007;48(4):1552–8.
18.
go back to reference Ousler GW, Gomes PJ, Welch D, Abelson MB. Methodologies for the study of ocular surface disease. Ocular Surf. 2005;3(3):143–54.CrossRef Ousler GW, Gomes PJ, Welch D, Abelson MB. Methodologies for the study of ocular surface disease. Ocular Surf. 2005;3(3):143–54.CrossRef
19.
go back to reference Saprunova VB, Lelekova MA, Kolosova NG, Bakeeva LE. SkQ1 slows development of age-dependent destructive processes in retina and vascular layer of eyes of wistar and OXYS rats. Biochem Biokhimiia. 2012;77(6):648–58.CrossRef Saprunova VB, Lelekova MA, Kolosova NG, Bakeeva LE. SkQ1 slows development of age-dependent destructive processes in retina and vascular layer of eyes of wistar and OXYS rats. Biochem Biokhimiia. 2012;77(6):648–58.CrossRef
20.
go back to reference Saprunova V, Pilipenko D, Alexeevsky A, Fursova A, Kolosova N, Bakeeva L. Lipofuscin granule dynamics during development of age-related macular degeneration. Biochem Biokhimiia. 2010;75(2):130–8.CrossRef Saprunova V, Pilipenko D, Alexeevsky A, Fursova A, Kolosova N, Bakeeva L. Lipofuscin granule dynamics during development of age-related macular degeneration. Biochem Biokhimiia. 2010;75(2):130–8.CrossRef
21.
go back to reference Schaumberg D, Dana R, Buring J, Sullivan D. Prevalence of dry eye disease among US men: estimates from the Physicians’ Health Studies. Arch Ophthalmol. 2009;127(6):763–8.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Schaumberg D, Dana R, Buring J, Sullivan D. Prevalence of dry eye disease among US men: estimates from the Physicians’ Health Studies. Arch Ophthalmol. 2009;127(6):763–8.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
22.
go back to reference Schaumberg D, Sullivan D, Buring J, Dana M. Prevalence of dry eye syndrome among US women. Am J Ophtahlmol. 2003;136(2):318–26.CrossRef Schaumberg D, Sullivan D, Buring J, Dana M. Prevalence of dry eye syndrome among US women. Am J Ophtahlmol. 2003;136(2):318–26.CrossRef
23.
go back to reference Sheppard J, Torkildsen G, Lonsdale J, D’Ambrosio F, McLaurin E, Eiferman R, Kennedy K, Semba C. Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5.0 % for treatment of dry eye disease. Ophthalmology. 2014;121(2):475–83.CrossRefPubMed Sheppard J, Torkildsen G, Lonsdale J, D’Ambrosio F, McLaurin E, Eiferman R, Kennedy K, Semba C. Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5.0 % for treatment of dry eye disease. Ophthalmology. 2014;121(2):475–83.CrossRefPubMed
24.
go back to reference Shimmura S, Suematsu M, Shimoyama M, Tsubota K, Oguchi Y, Ishimura Y. Subthreshold UV radiation-induced peroxide formation in cultured corneal epithelial cells: the protective effects of lactoferrin. Exp Eye Res. 1996;63(5):519–26.CrossRefPubMed Shimmura S, Suematsu M, Shimoyama M, Tsubota K, Oguchi Y, Ishimura Y. Subthreshold UV radiation-induced peroxide formation in cultured corneal epithelial cells: the protective effects of lactoferrin. Exp Eye Res. 1996;63(5):519–26.CrossRefPubMed
25.
go back to reference Skulachev VP. Cationic antioxidants as a powerful tool against mitochondrial oxidative stress. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2013;441(2):275–9.CrossRefPubMed Skulachev VP. Cationic antioxidants as a powerful tool against mitochondrial oxidative stress. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2013;441(2):275–9.CrossRefPubMed
26.
go back to reference Skulachev VP. What is “phenoptosis” and how to fight it? Biochem Biokhimiia. 2012;77(7):689–706.CrossRef Skulachev VP. What is “phenoptosis” and how to fight it? Biochem Biokhimiia. 2012;77(7):689–706.CrossRef
27.
go back to reference Skulachev M, Antonenko Y, Anisimov V, Chernyak B, Cherepanov D, Chistyakov V, Egorov M, Kolosova N, Korshunova G, Lyamzaev K, Plotnikov E, Roginsky V, Savchenko A, Severina II, Severin F, Shkurat T, Tashlitsky V, Shidlovsky K, Vyssokikh M, Zamyatnin A Jr, Zorov D, Skulachev V. Mitochondrial-targeted plastoquinone derivatives. Effect on senescence and acute age-related pathologies. Curr Drug Targets. 2011;12:800–26.CrossRefPubMed Skulachev M, Antonenko Y, Anisimov V, Chernyak B, Cherepanov D, Chistyakov V, Egorov M, Kolosova N, Korshunova G, Lyamzaev K, Plotnikov E, Roginsky V, Savchenko A, Severina II, Severin F, Shkurat T, Tashlitsky V, Shidlovsky K, Vyssokikh M, Zamyatnin A Jr, Zorov D, Skulachev V. Mitochondrial-targeted plastoquinone derivatives. Effect on senescence and acute age-related pathologies. Curr Drug Targets. 2011;12:800–26.CrossRefPubMed
28.
go back to reference Skulachev VP, Anisimov VN, Antonenko YN, Bakeeva LE, Chernyak BV, Erichev VP, et al. An attempt to prevent senescence: a mitochondrial approach. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2009;1787(5):437–61.CrossRefPubMed Skulachev VP, Anisimov VN, Antonenko YN, Bakeeva LE, Chernyak BV, Erichev VP, et al. An attempt to prevent senescence: a mitochondrial approach. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2009;1787(5):437–61.CrossRefPubMed
29.
go back to reference Skulachev VP. Functions of mitochondria: from intracellular power stations to mediators of a senescence program. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2009;66(11–12):1785–93.CrossRefPubMed Skulachev VP. Functions of mitochondria: from intracellular power stations to mediators of a senescence program. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2009;66(11–12):1785–93.CrossRefPubMed
30.
go back to reference Snytnikova O, Tsentalovich Y, Stefanova N, Fursova A, Kaptein R, Sagdeev R, et al. The therapeutic effect of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 and Cistanche deserticola is associated with increased levels of tryptophan and kynurenine in the rat lens. Dokl Biochem Biophys. 2012;447:300–3.CrossRefPubMed Snytnikova O, Tsentalovich Y, Stefanova N, Fursova A, Kaptein R, Sagdeev R, et al. The therapeutic effect of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 and Cistanche deserticola is associated with increased levels of tryptophan and kynurenine in the rat lens. Dokl Biochem Biophys. 2012;447:300–3.CrossRefPubMed
32.
go back to reference Wakamatsu TH, Dogru M, Matsumoto Y, Kojima T, Kaido M, Ibrahim OM, et al. Evaluation of lipid oxidative stress status in Sjogren syndrome patients. IOVS. 2013;54:201–10. Wakamatsu TH, Dogru M, Matsumoto Y, Kojima T, Kaido M, Ibrahim OM, et al. Evaluation of lipid oxidative stress status in Sjogren syndrome patients. IOVS. 2013;54:201–10.
33.
go back to reference Wakamatsu TH, Dogru M, Tsubota K. Tearful relations: oxidative stress, inflammation and eye diseases. Arq Bras Oftalmol. 2008;71(6 Suppl):72–9.CrossRefPubMed Wakamatsu TH, Dogru M, Tsubota K. Tearful relations: oxidative stress, inflammation and eye diseases. Arq Bras Oftalmol. 2008;71(6 Suppl):72–9.CrossRefPubMed
34.
go back to reference Wakamatsu T, Dogru M, Sasaki Y, Ward S, Imamura Y. Histopathological alterations in senescent Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase-1 (Sod-1)-knock-out mice: a new model for dry eye. In: 5th international conference on the tear film and ocular surface, Taormina, Italy, 4–9 September 2007. Wakamatsu T, Dogru M, Sasaki Y, Ward S, Imamura Y. Histopathological alterations in senescent Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase-1 (Sod-1)-knock-out mice: a new model for dry eye. In: 5th international conference on the tear film and ocular surface, Taormina, Italy, 4–9 September 2007.
35.
go back to reference Whitlock A, Belen L, Violette K, Brackett J, Ousler G, Perekhvatova N. Evaluation of topical SKQ1 in a murine CAE™ model of dry eye disease. Abstract/poster presentation at The international symposium on ocular pharmacology and therapeutics 10th ISOPT clinical symposium, Paris, France, 7–10 March 2013. Whitlock A, Belen L, Violette K, Brackett J, Ousler G, Perekhvatova N. Evaluation of topical SKQ1 in a murine CAE™ model of dry eye disease. Abstract/poster presentation at The international symposium on ocular pharmacology and therapeutics 10th ISOPT clinical symposium, Paris, France, 7–10 March 2013.
36.
go back to reference Yani EV, Katargina LA, Chesnokova NB, Beznos OV, Savchenko AYU, Vygodin VA, Gudkova EYU, Zamyatnin AA, Skulachev MV. The first experience of using the drug Vizomitin in the treatment of dry eyes. Pract Med (Russia). 2012;4(59):134–7. Yani EV, Katargina LA, Chesnokova NB, Beznos OV, Savchenko AYU, Vygodin VA, Gudkova EYU, Zamyatnin AA, Skulachev MV. The first experience of using the drug Vizomitin in the treatment of dry eyes. Pract Med (Russia). 2012;4(59):134–7.
37.
go back to reference Yeh S, Song XJ, Farley W, et al. Apoptosis of ocular surface cells in experimentally induced dry eye. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2003;44:124–9.CrossRefPubMed Yeh S, Song XJ, Farley W, et al. Apoptosis of ocular surface cells in experimentally induced dry eye. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2003;44:124–9.CrossRefPubMed
38.
go back to reference Zinovkin RA, Romaschenko VP, Galkin II, Zakharova VV, Pletjushkina OY, Chernyak BV, Popova EN. Role of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in age-related inflammatory activation of endothelium. Aging. 2014;6(8):661–74.PubMedCentralPubMed Zinovkin RA, Romaschenko VP, Galkin II, Zakharova VV, Pletjushkina OY, Chernyak BV, Popova EN. Role of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in age-related inflammatory activation of endothelium. Aging. 2014;6(8):661–74.PubMedCentralPubMed
Metadata
Title
SkQ1 Ophthalmic Solution for Dry Eye Treatment: Results of a Phase 2 Safety and Efficacy Clinical Study in the Environment and During Challenge in the Controlled Adverse Environment Model
Authors
Anton Petrov
Natalia Perekhvatova
Maxim Skulachev
Linda Stein
George Ousler
Publication date
01-01-2016
Publisher
Springer Healthcare
Published in
Advances in Therapy / Issue 1/2016
Print ISSN: 0741-238X
Electronic ISSN: 1865-8652
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-015-0274-5

Other articles of this Issue 1/2016

Advances in Therapy 1/2016 Go to the issue
Live Webinar | 27-06-2024 | 18:00 (CEST)

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Live: Thursday 27th June 2024, 18:00-19:30 (CEST)

WHO estimates that half of all patients worldwide are non-adherent to their prescribed medication. The consequences of poor adherence can be catastrophic, on both the individual and population level.

Join our expert panel to discover why you need to understand the drivers of non-adherence in your patients, and how you can optimize medication adherence in your clinics to drastically improve patient outcomes.

Prof. Kevin Dolgin
Prof. Florian Limbourg
Prof. Anoop Chauhan
Developed by: Springer Medicine
Obesity Clinical Trial Summary

At a glance: The STEP trials

A round-up of the STEP phase 3 clinical trials evaluating semaglutide for weight loss in people with overweight or obesity.

Developed by: Springer Medicine