SETU researcher earns international patents for revolutionary eye drop technology
The healthcare and biotech communities are celebrating after Dr. Laurence Fitzhenry of South East Technological University (SETU) secured two international patents for groundbreaking eye drop technologies. Awarded by both the United States and European patent offices, the patents cover a new generation of nanomedicine eye drops developed by Dr. Fitzhenry and his team at the Ocular Therapeutics Research Group (OTRG). These drops are designed to deliver medications more efficiently to the eye, with the potential to stay in place longer and enhance drug absorption compared with conventional formulations.
The science behind the breakthrough
At the core of the innovation is a novel nanomedicine approach that targets the ocular surface and deeper eye tissues while minimizing washout by tears and blinking. The OTRG researchers have developed nanocarrier systems and optimized formulations that improve the residence time of the drug on the ocular surface. This can lead to higher bioavailability, more consistent dosing, and reduced frequency of administration—benefits that are particularly meaningful for chronic eye conditions where adherence is a challenge.
Preclinical studies conducted by the team indicate enhanced penetration through ocular barriers and improved distribution within eye tissues. Importantly, these results suggest potential advantages for a range of diseases, including dry eye disease, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease. While traditional eye drops can struggle to deliver adequate amounts of medication to target tissues, the new nanomedicine drops aim to overcome these limitations with a more efficient and patient-friendly solution.
From the lab to potential patient impact
The patents mark a pivotal step in translating academic research into real-world therapies. Dr. Fitzhenry and the OTRG collaborated closely with SETU’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) to protect the intellectual property and lay the groundwork for future partnerships with industry. This approach reflects SETU’s commitment to bridging research with commercial applications that can reach patients worldwide.
Tess Ames, who manages research programs at OTRG, explains that the breakthrough represents more than just a new formulation. It embodies a shift toward designing drug delivery systems that work in harmony with the eye’s physiology, potentially reducing side effects and improving patient experiences. The technology’s ability to maintain a therapeutic presence in the eye could lead to better disease control and fewer clinic visits, which is especially relevant for chronic conditions that require ongoing treatment.
Global implications and the value of IP protection
Protecting intellectual property is a critical component of turning laboratory discoveries into accessible therapies. Dr. James O’Sullivan, SETU’s Head of Innovation and Commercialisation, emphasizes that securing patents is essential for attracting investment, enabling manufacturing scalability, and fostering collaborations with pharmaceutical companies. With the patents in place, SETU positions itself to partner on clinical development, regulatory pathways, and eventual market introduction—an outcome that could benefit patients across regions with increasing demand for advanced eye care.
The news also highlights the broader role of SETU in supporting researchers who pursue ambitious, world-class science. By providing a robust ecosystem for research, development, and technology transfer, the university aims to accelerate progress while ensuring rigorous scientific and ethical standards are maintained.
What comes next
While patent protection is a major milestone, the practical path forward involves further validation through clinical development, manufacturing optimization, and regulatory planning. The OTRG team will likely pursue partnerships with industry stakeholders to advance through the stages necessary for clinical trials and eventual commercialization. If successful, patients could see improved access to innovative eye therapies within the coming years, offering better management options for a range of ocular diseases.
As Dr. Fitzhenry and his colleagues advance this promising work, the collaboration between SETU’s researchers, the TTO, and industry partners serves as a compelling model for how academic science can translate into tangible health benefits on a global scale.
