The short duration of action is problematic in ocular glaucoma therapy because it leads to poor patient compliance and sub-optimal treatment outcomes. In this project, we shall develop new technology to construct drugs that bind to melanin pigment in the eye, thereby prolonging the duration of drug action. Existing clinical drugs are modified with structures that will facilitate melanin binding, generating drug depots in the pigmented tissue. Prolonged release of drugs from the depot will result in prolonged drug action. The project will result in compounds that are amenable to further industrial developments toward clinical use. Also, computational models are developed to facilitate the development of melanin-binding drugs for other ocular indications.

2023

2026