New prevention and treatment formulas for acanthamoeba keratitis in contact lens wearers

Cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis are increasing worldwide each year, primarily due to the growing number of contact lens wearers, who constitute the main risk group. Furthermore, the treatment of free-living amoeba infections remains a challenge. Given the lack of therapeutic alternatives, this project aims to validate previous studies conducted by our laboratory on the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of statins. Additionally, we intend to validate azoles such as voriconazole and alkylphospholipids (miltefosine) against type strains, clinical and environmental isolates, and commonly used ophthalmic eye drops. Therefore, this project proposes the development and in vitro validation of new pharmaceutical formulations, such as eye drops and saline solutions, containing these active ingredients. Finally, we intend to apply the results obtained directly in clinical practice by validating the sensitivity of clinical strains to the active ingredients and evaluating new pharmaceutical formulations. On the other hand, as we have mentioned, once the project is completed, it could be commercially exploited (after obtaining patent protection). CINFA SA has been collaborating with the applicant group for over 8 years.

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ULL Team

• Inés Sifaoui
• Jacob Lorenzo Morales