Ophthalmic Focus

Azura has a robust clinical-stage program focused on resolving the pathophysiology of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Contact Lens Discomfort

It is Azura’s belief that AZR-MD-001 can reverse the core pathophysiology of these conditions, alleviating their signs and symptoms.

Our additional areas of focus include the development of our novel New Chemical Entities which target the pathophysiology of ocular surface diseases with a multi-modal mechanism of action.

Role of Keratolytics in Ophthalmology

A Powerful Paradigm Changer

Abnormal keratin production, deposition, and aggregation of keratin via disulfide bonds are the central problem in many ophthalmic conditions including Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, Contact Lens Discomfort, and blepharitis. ^{1, 2, 3}

Keratolytics are agents that break apart the disulfide bonds that bind keratin together into aggregates and have been used in dermatologic conditions to treat other hyperkeratotic states, such as comedonal acne and seborrheic dermatitis. ^{4, 5, 6, 7, 8}

Keratolytic agents have historically been used to enhance penetration of other topical medications into deeper tissue layers that are more distal to the site of application. ⁹

Publications

Efficacy and safety of AZR-MD-001 selenium sulfide ophthalmic ointment in adults with meibomian gland dysfunction: A vehicle-controlled, randomized clinical trial

PDF 365KB

POSTER Presentations

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2025

Dosing Methods, Instructions for Use, and Safety Data Outcomes from a Phase 3 Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of AZR-MD-001 0.5% for the Treatment of MGD and DED: The ASTRO Study

PDF 150KB

Characteristics of Participants with Mild to Moderate MGD Utilizing AZR-MD-001 0.5% in a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 3 Trial: The ASTRO Study

PDF 303KB

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2024

Sign and symptom improvement rates among MGD patients following treatment with AZR‑MD‑001 for 6 months

PDF 209KB

AZR-MD-001 Eficacy in the Treatment of Contact Lens Discomfort: A Phase 2 Trial

PDF 210KB

AZR-MD-001 Opens Meibomian Glands and Improves Meibum and Tear Quality, Resulting in Increased Lens Wear Time in Patients With CLD

PDF 202KB

Validity of the Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire-8 (CLDEQ-8) and its comprehensiveness in assessing disease impact after the widespread adoption of digital media in patients with Contact Lens Discomfort (CLD) and concomitant Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

PDF 195KB

AZR-MD-001 Improves Corneal and Conjunctival Damage in Patients With CLD and MGD

PDF 487KB

Safety and Efficacy of Topical AZR-MD-001 for the Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in a 6-Month Study

PDF 202KB

AZR-MD-001 Ophthalmic Ointment Opens Meibomian Glands, Improves Meibum Quality, and Improves Tear Film Stability Over 3 Months of Dosing in Patients With Contact Lens Discomfort

PDF 219KB

AZR-MD-001 Improved tear film stability and ocular symptoms in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction: 6-month results

PDF 273KB

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2023

AZR-MD-001 efficacy in resolving the signs and associated symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in a phase 2 trial: responder status analysis

PDF 365KB

AZR-MD-001 restores gland function and improves signs and ocular symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)

PDF 340KB

AZR-MD-001 efficacy in improving tear film stability and its impact on associated symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction in a phase 2 trial

PDF 418KB

Nonclinical assessment of repeat dosing of AZR-MD-001 (selenium sulfide, SeS₂, sterile ophthalmic ointment) to the lower eyelid: A novel therapy developed for meibomian gland dysfunction

PDF 187KB

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2021

ARVO 2021 Evaluation of AZR-MD-001 on Contact Lens Wearers

PDF 327KB

ARVO 2021 Keratolytic and Keratostatic Activity of Selenium Sulfide in Modifying MGD

PDF 173KB

ARVO 2021 Lipogenic Activity of Selenium Sulfide Role in Enhancing Lipid Production in Meibomian Glands

PDF 270KB

ARVO 2021 Novel Keratolytic for MGD Treatment

PDF 417KB