Interim clinical results unveiled by EyeCool show progress in treating patients with chronic ocular surface pain

New interim clinical findings from EyeCool Therapeutics, a clinical stage ophthalmic medical device company advancing a new approach to chronic ocular surface pain, has shared early results from its ongoing clinical study, currently being conducted at the University of Melbourne, which is evaluating the ETX 4143 device in patients living with long lasting ocular surface pain. According to the interim analysis, treatment with ETX 4143 was well tolerated and showed no harmful impact on corneal nerve structure. The study also examined how immune cells on the corneal surface behave over time, using advanced in vivo confocal microscopy techniques. Together, these observations support a strong safety profile for the device and point toward an additional biological process that may help explain reductions in pain and inflammation seen in earlier studies. Medical advisors involved in the program highlighted the importance of preserving corneal nerve integrity, particularly in patients whose nerves are already compromised. Earlier research with ETX 4143 has shown meaningful pain reduction and improved corneal sensation, and these new findings suggest the therapy may work through more than one pathway, addressing both nerve related pain signaling and inflammatory activity at the ocular surface. The clinical study remains underway, with further follow up planned to better understand long term outcomes and durability of effect. EyeCool Therapeutics has indicated that additional data will be shared as the program advances, alongside broader updates on its development plans during upcoming healthcare investor meetings. ETX 4143 is EyeCool’s lead investigational device and is designed for use during a brief in office outpatient procedure. The treatment involves gently cooling the surface of each eye for four minutes, targeting specific nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals. Many patients report rapid relief that continues to improve over several weeks. As treated nerve fibers gradually recover over a period of months, symptoms may return, at which point repeat treatment may be considered. Clinical trials have also shown measurable improvements in corneal sensitivity following use of the device. Chronic ocular surface pain is defined as eye pain or discomfort originating from the ocular surface and lasting longer than three months. Despite how common and disruptive the condition can be, there are currently no approved treatments available. EyeCool Therapeutics is focused on developing in clinic technologies aimed at delivering fast and lasting relief for people affected by chronic ocular surface pain, with the goal of addressing a significant unmet need in eye care.

See All Episodes