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

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