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An in vitro model for screening penetration of ocular drug products

Award Number: R43EY034422
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2022
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/31/2024

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An in vitro model for screening penetration of ocular drug products - Project Summary/Abstract: The overall objective of this study is to develop a novel, predictive in vitro platform for studying physiological responses of the cellular layers of the anterior eye for therapeutics. Current in vitro models mostly rely on a single cellular architecture of the corneal epithelium and do not mimic the in vivo physiological relevance of cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions. In addition, they lack the capability for real-time visualization and quantitation of cellular interactions. Animal models do not accurately represent the anatomy and physiology of the human eye. We propose to develop and demonstrate a microfluidic-based multicellular architecture of the human cornea based on in vivo morphological and structural parameters. Phase I will culminate with a clear demonstration on the ability of the model to match drug penetration profiles with detailed functional characterization of the cellular interactions and matrix development. During Phase II, we will expand the platform to incorporate additional tissue layers such as the conjunctiva and integration with well plates for a multiplexed assay followed by further validation against in vivo studies. A multi-disciplinary, partnership with expertise in microfluidic cell-based assays, eye physiology and therapeutic screening with clinical relevance has been assembled to successfully meet the research objectives. The end-product will be commercialized to pharmaceutical firms, drug research labs and universities/non-profit centers engaged in precision therapeutics, drug discovery, and drug delivery in the ophthalmic space.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2024	2022	CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION	6820 MOQUIN DR NW	HUNTSVILLE	AL	35806	MADISON	USA	Vision Research	000	1	8/16/2024	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $300,000 )
2022	2022	CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION	6820 MOQUIN DR NW	HUNTSVILLE	AL	35806	MADISON	USA	Vision Research	000	1	8/24/2022	NEW	$300,000
														Subtotal = $300,000

Grand Total All Awards = $300,000

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An in vitro model for screening penetration of ocular drug products

Award Number: R43EY034422

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2022

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/31/2024

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