Breakthrough in Eye Care: International Patents for Nanomedicine Eye Drops
In a landmark development for ophthalmology and patient care, SETU Researcher Dr. Laurence Fitzhenry and the Ocular Therapeutics Research Group (OTRG) at South East Technological University have secured two international patents for advanced eye drop technology. Granted by the United States and European patent offices, these patents protect a novel nanomedicine formulation designed to deliver medications more effectively to the eye—potentially improving treatment outcomes for millions around the world.
What Makes the Nanomedicine Eye Drops Different
The patented technology centers on a nanomedicine-based eye drop that aims to stay in place longer and enhance absorption compared to conventional formulations. By engineering nanoparticles that can traverse ocular barriers more efficiently, the drops are designed to release active medications in a controlled manner, potentially increasing bioavailability and reducing the frequency of dosing for patients with chronic eye conditions.
Experts say the approach could be transformative for diseases such as dry eye disease, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy—conditions that affect millions and demand regular, precise medication delivery. If successfully translated into clinical practice, patients may experience improved symptom relief, better disease management, and fewer side effects from fluctuating drug levels.
From Lab Bench to Global Impact
Dr. Fitzhenry, a key member of SETU’s OTRG, has long focused on translating scientific discoveries into practical healthcare solutions. The two new patents mark a major milestone in this mission, signaling a clear path toward commercial development and patient access. Throughout the patent process, SETU’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) played a crucial role in protecting intellectual property, navigating regulatory considerations, and laying the groundwork for future partnership with industry partners and manufacturers.
Strategic Partnerships and Intellectual Property
According to Tess Ames, the Research Programmes Manager at OTRG, the patents underscore a strategic bridge between academic research and real-world applications. “This breakthrough bridges the gap between knowledge generation and patient-level impact, positioning SETU at the forefront of innovative ophthalmic therapies,” Ames said. The protection of these technologies is viewed not only as a milestone in research excellence but also as a catalyst for collaboration with global pharma and biotech entities.
Leadership and Vision at SETU
Dr. James O’Sullivan, Head of Innovation and Commercialisation at SETU, highlighted the broader implications of the patents. He noted that safeguarding intellectual property is essential to attract future investment and to ensure that novel therapies reach patients reliably. “Protecting our innovations paves the way for responsible, scalable partnerships that can optimize manufacturing, regulatory approval, and distribution,” he stated. The management emphasis on IP aligns with SETU’s broader strategy to translate science into accessible healthcare solutions.
What Comes Next
With legal protection in place, the OTRG and SETU are preparing for subsequent steps that may include clinical collaboration, manufacturing pilots, and regulatory milestones. The team’s focus remains on refining the formulation, validating safety and efficacy in clinical settings, and exploring ways to integrate the nanomedicine eye drops into standard care pathways for eye disorders.
A Global Promise for Eye Health
As patients worldwide continue to seek improvements in eye health and quality of life, the patented nanomedicine eye drops represent a beacon of innovation. By combining advanced nanotechnology with patient-centric design, the research community at SETU is illustrating how rigorous science, thoughtful licensing, and proactive industry engagement can converge to deliver meaningful healthcare advances.
