Insulin Eye Drops

Insulin eye drops are still largely an area of research and have not yet been widely adopted or approved for therapeutic clinical use. Insulin, a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar, has been investigated for its potential ocular applications due to its known growth factor properties which can stimulate cell growth and regeneration. Preliminary studies have explored using insulin eye drops to treat various corneal disorders, which rely on the ability of insulin to promote corneal epithelial healing. Conditions such as diabetic keratopathy, persistent epithelial defects, and dry eye disease are potential targets for this treatment modality. However, while the findings so far seem promising, more comprehensive and large-scale clinical trials are necessary to clearly establish the safety and efficacy of insulin eye drops. Additionally, a standardization of the formulation, concentration, and dosing regimen of insulin eye drops requires further research. It is crucial that patients continue using their prescribed treatments and consult with an eye care professional for guidance on any alternative therapies or experimental treatments.

NEWS FLASH:

Topical Insulin for Glaucoma

Trial ID: NCT05206877

Age - 18 Years-N/A Gender - All Accepting Healthy Volunteers - No

Purpose

The purpose of this Phase 1 trial is to determine the safety over 1-2 months of topic sterile human recombinant insulin on subjects with optic neuropathies (glaucoma, ischecmic optic neuropathy, and optic disc drusen).

Official Title

Topical Insulin for Glaucoma and Optic Neuropathies

Stanford Investigator(s)

Jeffrey Goldberg, MD, PhD

Blumenkranz Smead Professor

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

   - Capable to provide informed consent

   - Diagnosis of optic neuropathy either glaucoma or NAION or optic disc drusen.

   - Only one eye per patient will be selected as the study eye - if both eyes meet the
   inclusion criteria, the eye with the worse acuity and /or visual field will be
   selected. The contralateral eye will be left untouched.

Exclusion Criteria:

   - Pregnant or breastfeeding woman

   - Presence of any ocular pathologies other than glaucoma that contributes to the severe
   vision loss (retinopathy / maculopathy, severe uveitis, keratopathy, etc.)

   - Diagnosis of glucose intolerance, type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus

   - Inability to perform reliable visual field

   - Unable to provide informed consent

   - Unable to complete the tests and follow-ups required by the study

Intervention(s):

drug: Insulin, 4 units

drug: Insulin, 20 units

Author

Paddy Kalish OD, JD and B.Arch

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